Local

7 closures and expansions changing Modesto’s business map

Stories by Modesto Bee journalists, with AI summarization

Modesto’s business landscape is evolving with new arrivals and tough farewells. Vallarta Supermarkets has opened in a long-vacant space on Pelandale Avenue, offering jobs and unique departments like a guacamole station and panadería. Longtime icons are closing, such as Hart Florist, which is ending operations after 82 years of serving local families.

Fresh dining options are gaining ground, like the Pokemoto in Village One Plaza with Hawaiian-style poke bowls and a wide range of boba teas. Meanwhile, the closure of Joann Fabrics and Crafts has prompted local shoppers to search for new fabric stores in the area, signaling how shifts in retail affect daily routines.

Guests look at the candy section inside the new Vallarta Supermarkets store during a vendor preview in Modesto, Tuesday, Feb. 4 , 2025. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 1: WHAT DOES MODESTO’S NEWEST GROCERY STORE OFFER? TAKE A LOOK INSIDE THE PELANDALE SPACE

The store brought over 200 new jobs to Modesto. | Published February 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

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. 2: 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

A classic ham sandwich featuring applewood-smoked ham at HoneyBaked Cafe. By Allen Pierleoni

NO. 3: HONEYBAKED HAM COMING TO MODESTO? WHAT MAKES IT SO MUCH MORE THAN A ‘SEASONAL STORE’

The company’s arrival would mean a new everyday dining option as well as job opportunities for high school, seasonal and other employees. | Published February 26, 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. 4: 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

Ceramic sculptures by Ericka F. in the Stanislaus Arts Council gallery exhibition “Young At Art” in Modesto, Thursday, March, 6, 2025. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 5: DOWNTOWN MODESTO VENUE COULD BE SHUT DOWN. HOW CAN IT BE SAVED?

“It’s not our favorite option, it’s not our only option.” | Published March 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Pat Clark

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. 6: 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

After announcing its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in January, Joann Fabrics and Crafts revealed plans to close all of its locations, including its Turlock store. By Angela Rodriguez

NO. 7: WHERE CAN I FIND FABRIC IN MODESTO AREA NOW JOANN IS CLOSING? SEE LOCAL PRICES

The Modesto Bee went in search of fabric stores in Stanislaus County — and what you can expect to pay. | Published May 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Angela Rodriguez

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.