Local

9 stories of change in the Modesto business community

Stories by Modesto Bee journalists, with AI summarization

The Modesto business community has experienced significant fluctuations in recent months, marked by closures, ownership changes, and new ventures. Iconic establishments like Piccadilly Deli, Hart Florist, and Ragamuffin in McHenry Village have closed, reflecting shifts in consumer habits, retirements, and post-pandemic struggles. Meanwhile, businesses like Redwood Cafe have announced plans to relocate their unique concept to neighboring communities. Economic pressures and regulatory challenges have also affected sectors like cannabis retail and healthcare, with closures stemming from unsustainable fees and regulatory compliance issues.

Despite these challenges, new investments and creative partnerships demonstrate resilience and adaptability within Modesto's business landscape.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Slides restaurant and lounge on 10th Street in Modesto, Calif., Wednesday, June 26, 2024. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 1: WHAT’S REPLACING GOAT BAR & GRILL IN DOWNTOWN MODESTO? 10TH STREET RESTAURANT OPENS SOON

It’ll be the restaurant’s second location in the Central Valley. | Published June 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

Ragamuffin children’s clothing store clerk Bethany Denlinger folds clothing as the store begins its closing sale with an invite to loyal customers at McHenry Village in Modesto, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. The owner is retiring and closing the store and is selling the remaining merchandise. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 2: ANOTHER LONGTIME RETAILER IN MODESTO’S MCHENRY VILLAGE IS CLOSING. ‘AN ERA HAS TO END’

“People aren’t shopping locally as much anymore,” the owner said. | Published October 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

Piccadilly Deli and Sandwich Shop owner Suzie Wirth serves fruit salad to customers (left to right) Bruce Roehr, Jeff Csolak, and Aurora Jacobsen during lunchtime in 2005. By Naomi Brookner

NO. 3: DECADES-OLD DOWNTOWN MODESTO EATERY IS PERMANENTLY CLOSING. HOW LONG YOU HAVE TO VISIT

The deli was founded in 1976 and was transformed from a shoe store. | Published November 13, 2024 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

Piccadilly Deli on 10th Street in Modesto, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 4: DOWNTOWN MODESTO DELI PERMANENTLY CLOSES EARLIER THAN EXPECTED. ‘BEYOND MY CONTROL’

The restaurant was supposed to have its last day of business Nov. 27. Those looking for a final meal there can save themselves a trip. | Published November 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

Cali Kosher clerk Lucas Hurst adjusts cannabis products at Cali Kosher dispensary in Empire, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 5: UPDATE: 2 STANISLAUS COUNTY CANNABIS RETAILERS CLOSE IN SPAN OF A MONTH. WHAT’S TO BLAME?

“They don’t want to do anything to help any cannabis company, they’re just trying to gouge them until they shut down.” — Mark Ponticelli, who owned People’s Remedy | Published November 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kathleen Quinn

Bob Campana and Susan Dell’Osso at Redwood Cafe in Modesto, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. The new partners plan to move sections of the Redwood Cafe restaurant to River Islands in Lathrop. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 6: MODESTO’S REDWOOD CAFE TO BE CARTED UP HIGHWAY 99 IN UNUSUAL MOVE. HERE’S HOW IT’LL WORK

“Building a new building would not would not give this character,” the owner said. | Published December 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

Foster Farms turkey processing plant in Turlock, Calif., on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 7: UPDATE: AGENCIES OFFER AID AFTER FOSTER FARMS ANNOUNCES LAYOFF OF 500-PLUS TURLOCK WORKERS

One of the two turkey plants will close as of May 9. | Published January 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by John Holland

NO. 8: IN LESS THAN A YEAR, MCHENRY VILLAGE HAS LOST THREE LONGTIME RETAILERS. HERE’S THE LATEST

Here’s how long you have to shop the sales. | Published February 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

Howard and Wilma Downing inside their flower shop at corner of McHenry & Roseburg in 2001. By Ted Benson

NO. 9: MODESTO BUSINESS THAT SHARED IN ‘LIFE’S MOST SIGNIFICANT MOMENTS’ CLOSING AFTER 82 YEARS

The decision to close reflects “the challenges faced by small, family-owned businesses,” the owner said. | Published March 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.