Local

5 stories on business openings, closings and changes in Modesto area

Stories by Modesto Bee journalists, with AI summarization

Modesto’s business scene is shifting with notable openings and closures. A long-vacant downtown building found new energy as Con Azucar Cafe, drawing crowds for its giant conchas and viral drinks. Meanwhile, Port of Subs plans to bring a wave of new sandwich shops, starting with a Modesto location later this year.

On another front, the city is debating where to build a new pro soccer stadium and entertainment district, with options that could impact local housing. In contrast, Bronco Wine faced a significant income drop, forcing layoffs and reflecting the tough side of local business changes.

Verona Executive Chef Jaime Alderete talks about he main course as the restaurant hosts a “pop-up dinner” at their catering space in Modesto, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 1: OWNERS OF MCHENRY VILLAGE RESTAURANT HAVE PARTNERED WITH NONPROFIT TO OPEN MODESTO CAFE

The cafe opened Monday and serves dine-in or takeout breakfast and lunch, as well as take-home dinners. | Published February 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

Bronco Wine Company in Ceres, Calif., Saturday, April 22, 2023. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 2: UPDATE: ‘SIGNIFICANT’ INCOME DROP PROMPTED BRONCO WINE TO SHED 81 WORKERS IN STANISLAUS

The business also operates in Madera, San Joaquin and Napa counties. | Published February 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by John Holland

NO. 3: 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

Modesto City Councilmember Nick Bavarro speaks at at a public workshop Wednesday, March 26, 2025, that included updates on bringing a professional soccer team and stadium to Modesto.

NO. 4: A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER TEAM, AND A STADIUM, ARE DEFINITELY COMING TO MODESTO, CITY SAYS

Where the stadium will be built comes down to two locations | Published March 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Trevor Morgan Quinton Hamilton

Port of Subs has signed a 10-unit agreement to expand in the San Joaquin Valley.

NO. 5: PORT OF SUBS TO OPEN 10 NEW CENTRAL VALLEY RESTAURANTS — STARTING IN MODESTO

A Clovis couple are behind the agreement. | Published May 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

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.