From Italian food to used cars, here are six Stanislaus businesses that recently closed
There have been many recent business openings across Stanislaus County over the last few months, but some closings, too.
In downtown Modesto, Family Dollar is closing its location in the former Smart and Final on Ninth Street. Signs announcing “Everything must go” began appearing weeks ago, and now a countdown sign on the storefront says there are only a few days left before the final closing.
This is a part of a national closure of over 1,000 stores due to inflation, competition and other “operational challenges.” No information is available on what that space will be used for next.
Just down the road on J Street, Preservation Coffee announced it would be closing suddenly as the owner decided to sell his business. Shortly after, Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters announced it would move into the shop, and it opened after just about two months of refurbishment.
In February, Roberts Auto Sales announced it would close after 45 years in business following the death of co-owner Douglas Roberts. The large lot at McHenry and Kiernan avenues shuttered about two weeks after that announcement, once the remaining inventory was sold. Former customers lamented the loss on social media, with many sharing stories of buying their first car there and the company’s friendly, no-pressure approach.
At Claus Road and Sylvan Avenue, two businesses shuttered at the small shopping center. Pizza Factory closed in 2025. Seeing a gap in pizza options in that area, brothers John and Jacob Rodriguez opened Surefire Pizza Co. in January in the vacant space.
Just a few doors down, Gusto Italiano appears to be closed. It is unclear when it shuttered its doors, but positive reviews about the restaurant appeared as recently as September on Yelp. The site also reported the restaurant is closed, and the phone number is disconnected. The restaurant opened in 2020.
In Patterson, community members have rallied to save city’s only Grocery Outlet. The national chain announced the closure of over 30 stores, with this location being the only one affected in Stanislaus County. The store is still open, and the owners are encouraging the community to shop in an effort to get a reprieve from the corporate decision makers. If they are not successful, the store will close on April 25.
Have you seen a closed business around town? Let me know at mfigueroa@modbee.com.
This story was originally published March 18, 2026 at 2:37 PM.
