Local

7 must-know updates from Modesto’s evolving business community

Stories by Modesto Bee journalists, with AI summarization

Modesto’s business scene is seeing significant change, blending tradition with new energy. Long-beloved family businesses like Marcella’s Mexican Restaurant and Hart Florist are closing, marking the end of eras for many residents.

At the same time, fresh concepts like the Paradise Plaza food truck court downtown and Pokemoto in Village One are reimagining local dining, bringing new flavors and lively gathering spaces. Historic buildings are being transformed, such as the Old Water Office restaurant in Patterson, marrying the city's past with innovative new ventures. Even national brands, like Con Azucar Cafe, are making headlines, highlighting both the shifting tastes and continued growth in the community.

Marcella Garcia holds a menu from the restaurant her father Alfredo Duran Sr. opened named after her with her portrait on the back. Marcella’s Mexican restaurant is closing at the end of the month. Photographed in Modesto, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 1: MODESTO FAMILY OPERATED TULLY ROAD RESTAURANT FOR DECADES. NOW, IT MUST CLOSE. ‘I TRIED’

Here’s how long you have to visit. | Published January 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

Paradise Plaza food truck court on I Street in Modesto, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 2: MODESTO FAMILY’S GOAL IS TO IMPROVE DOWNTOWN WITH FOOD TRUCK COURT. HOW THEY’LL DO IT

“It should be a nice, cool, urban spot where you can walk over for lunch and feel safe,” the plaza manager said. | Published January 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams Maria Figueroa

The Old Water Office restaurant owner Ed Maring, right, and restaurateur Bob Campana at the new space in Patterson, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 3: HISTORIC STANISLAUS COUNTY BUILDING BEING TURNED INTO RESTAURANT. ‘WANTED TO PRESERVE IT’

The former Redwood Cafe owner and an 87-year-old farmer are opening the restaurant together as a “gift of legacy” to the town. | Published January 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

NO. 4: LONG-EMPTY DOWNTOWN MODESTO BUILDING HAS A NEW TENANT. WHY IT’S GOING VIRAL ON SOCIAL MEDIA

The building has been empty for more than 15 years. | Published February 19, 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. 5: 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

Marcy’s Hallmark Shop owner Norm VanHorne’s inventory includes thousands of greeting cards at the gift store in McHenry Village in Modesto, Thursday, March, 20, 2025. The longtime store is closing. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 6: DECLINE IN SALES CAUSES MODESTO STORE OWNER, 88, TO CLOSE ‘GOOD BUSINESS’ IN MCHENRY VILLAGE

Business was booming back during the Beanie Babies craze. | Published March 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

Co-owner Navjot Kaur makes a poke bowl at the new Pokémoto Hawaiian Poké restaurant in Village One Plaza in Modesto, Friday, March 28, 2025. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 7: MODESTO’S VILLAGE ONE HAS A NEW SPOT FOR POKE AND BOBA. TAKE A LOOK INSIDE

“People have been coming in and trying this instead of something fried or with oil.” — Navjot Kaur | Published April 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Maria Luisa Figueroa

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