Fresno Bar Uncle Tom's Opened in 1921
The longstanding Fresno institution evolved from a 1920s confectionery shop into a local neighborhood bar.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Cocktails
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Founded by Tom Licouris in 1921, the business originally operated as the Alta Vista Confectionary in Fresno, California. It later transitioned into a bar and cafeteria in 1940, eventually moving to its current strip mall location in 1991.
Why it matters
The establishment serves as a piece of local history in Fresno, maintaining a legacy that spans over a century. The business retains its name in honor of Licouris, who was known for his friendly interactions with neighborhood children and residents.
The business has operated for 103 years after being founded in 1921. The original building was purchased by Tom Licouris for $400.
The players
Tom Licouris
He was the original founder of the business and was known for being friendly to neighborhood children.
Happy
He is one of the current owners of the Fresno bar.
Sonny
He is one of the current owners of the Fresno bar.
The details
Originally located at First Street and Tulare Street, the shop began as a candy store and soda fountain. Following the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, the business eventually pivoted to the liquor trade, operating as a bar and cafeteria by 1940.
Timeline
1921: The business opened as a candy store.
1940: The business opened as a bar and cafeteria.
1990: The original building was demolished.
1991: The bar moved into its current strip mall location.
2026: Article published regarding the history of the bar.
Culture Shift
The business follows a pattern set by the post-Prohibition era tavern model, having transitioned from a dry soda fountain to a liquor-licensed establishment in 1940. This reflects the broader 20th-century American trend of converting neighborhood retail hubs into social spaces.
Patrons can visit the bar in its current strip mall location, which has been in operation for over three decades. The establishment continues to serve as a community fixture for residents looking to experience a piece of the city's past.
The takeaway
Maintaining a business for over a century requires adapting to changing regulations and location shifts. Understanding the history of local institutions provides deeper context for the cultural fabric of a neighborhood.
Further reading
For more information on the local social scene, visit Fresno Cocktails.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fresnoland.
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