Searchlights, a red carpet, and a 65-foot-long cake — Fashion Furniture is going all out to celebrate 65 years in business. The Fresno favorite is inviting everyone to its anniversary ribbon cutting on Friday, Oct. 17, featuring a live band, a photo booth, giveaways, and raffles.

“We’re really going to make this a fun thank-you event for Fresno because we wouldn’t be here without Fresno supporting us for the last 65 years,” said Ryan Beams, owner and general manager.

Guests will enter on a red carpet under glowing searchlights, enjoy appetizers and drinks, and have a chance to win furniture prizes totaling $50,000 including a recliner, a California king bed, a queen mattress, and a dining table. Paul Loeffler, the voice of Fresno State Athletics, will serve as emcee, and Mayor Jerry Dyer will cut the ribbon at 5:30 p.m.

And yes, there really will be a 65-foot-long double chocolate cake — plus two smaller cakes shaped like a “6” and a “5.”

Fashion Furniture’s roots run deep in Fresno. Founded downtown in 1960 by the Avedikian family, the business grew alongside the city, later moving to its current North Fresno location.

Beams credits the Avedikians for creating a business that has an excellent reputation, which he strives to carry on. “It’s a daunting responsibility because they did things almost perfectly, and so our job is to continue to do that.”

When Beams and his wife purchased the company in 2024, they inherited both a long-standing team and a loyal customer base.

“We have the same team essentially for the last decade,” Beams said.

The backbone of the business is loyal customers who keep coming back and who bring the next generation of clients.

“Probably a third of our customers have said my first piece of furniture I bought from you was downtown,” Beams said. “Those clients are the people who brought their kids to Fashion Furniture for the first time.”

To show their appreciation for loyal customers, welcome new ones, and celebrate the entire community, Beams and his team have planned an unforgettable anniversary event.

“It’s about thanking the community of Fresno – thanking them for a great 65 years of supporting us,” Beams said. “We’re going to have a lot of fun.”

The event is from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, at 255 West El Paso Ave., Fresno. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. The celebration is free to attend, but registration is encouraged.

For more updates on Fresno County development and business initiatives, stay connected with the Fresno Chamber of Commerce.