Business changes reshape Central Valley economy

The Central Valley's business landscape is undergoing major shifts, as long-standing establishments close, new ventures emerge, and development strategies respond to changing economic forces. A 54-year-old family-run Mexican restaurant and a downtown eatery that closed after six months reflect financial strain and internal disagreements behind some closures. At the same time, companies like Vitality Bowls and Smash Bros Burgers are expanding through mobile and second-location models, respectively, signaling a push for adaptability and growth.

Investment in historic building renovations and food service, such as the Old Water Office restaurant, highlights a focus on local heritage and culinary tourism. Meanwhile, retail and housing sectors see continued transformation, with national chains like Forever 21 exiting.

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

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. 2: 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

Co-owner and chef Jason Nguyen shows off some the of dishes he has created at Cajun Bento restaurant in Turlock, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 3: ASIAN OR CAJUN? YOU WON’T HAVE TO CHOOSE AT NEW STANISLAUS COUNTY FUSION RESTAURANT

To seafood boil or to bento? That is the question. And this restaurant has the answer. | Published February 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

Modesto Vitality Bowls franchisee Silvana Robin has opened the company’s first-ever food trailer.

NO. 4: ON THE GO? SO IS A MODESTO HEALTH FOOD CAFE. WHERE YOU CAN FIND ITS FIRST-EVER TRAILER

The novel idea is a way “to make healthy eating more accessible,” the company’s co-founder said. | Published February 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

NO. 5: 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

A Wendy’s restaurant is under construction at the Crossroads West shopping center in Riverbank, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 6: TWO RESTAURANTS MOVING INTO RIVERBANK’S CROSSROADS WEST. ONE IS NEW TO STANISLAUS COUNTY

The restaurants will join Wendy’s and Raising Cane’s in the shopping center. | Published February 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

The Forever 21 in the Vintage Faire Mall pictured Oct. 2, 2019 in Modesto, Calif. By Maria Figueroa

NO. 7: FOREVER 21 EXPECTED TO FILE FOR BANKRUPTCY AGAIN. IS TURLOCK STORE AMONG THE CLOSURES?

The company will attempt to find a buyer for its remaining U.S. stores. | Published February 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

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

NO. 8: DOWNTOWN MODESTO RESTAURANT CLOSES 6 MONTHS AFTER ITS GRAND OPENING. WHAT HAPPENED?

The building has switched hands three times in less than two years. | Published March 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams

Co-Owner Mohammad Mohammad flattens ground beef during the making of a smash burger at Smash Bros Burgers in Merced, Calif., Tuesday, March 25, 2025. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 9: MERCED BURGER SHOP OWNERS ARE SMASHING THEIR WAY TO TURLOCK TO OPEN SECOND LOCATION

“Once you go smash burgers, you don’t go back,” the 22-year-old owner said. | Published March 28, 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.