Jimmy Pardini is opening Strada Italian Sandwiches at the expanding Park Cross shopping center, possibly by April. Photo illustration by Cecilia Lopez
published on February 19, 2026 – 12:45 PM
Written by Ben Hensley
Fresh off the launch of Willow Osteria, Jimmy Pardini shared plans on Instagram last week for a new, Italian-inspired sandwich shop that could possibly open by April, answering a question about what was in store for the expanding Park Cross Shopping Center in north Fresno.
Developer Harold Zinkin of Zinkin Family Partners, told The Fresno Bee last year that the 12,000 square-foot building under construction along Friant Road would include a mix of stores and restaurants.
Noble Credit Union signed a lease for a new 3,226 square-foot branch there at 8492 N. Friant Avenue about a year ago.
The first restaurant announced, Pardini’s fourth, will be called Strada — Italian for “road,” invoking a street-food vibe. It will feature freshly-baked breads, homemade spreads and sauces and artisan meats sliced to order.
Located across from another Pardini restaurant — Annesso Pizzeria — Strada will join the bustling shopping center anchored by Trader Joe’s and fellow local eateries Butterfish and Figaro’s Mexican Grill and national chains including The Habit Burger and Houston Tx Hot Chicken.
The announcement was well-received on social media, with locals expressing excitement about a new Pardini-family restaurant.
“Fantastic! The Annesso Salumi is my favorite sandwich,” one comment reads. “Just ate at Willow Osteria, so delish.”
Last year, Pardini opened a new, upscale restaurant — Willow Osteria — at The Avenue at Heritage Grove at Shepherd and Willow avenues, adding another restaurant to the Pardini portfolio. Pardini also owns The Annex Kitchen.