Retail and Restaurant Expansion Sweeps Across the Central Valley

The Central Valley continues to outpace the nation in brick-and-mortar retail growth, with major grocery chains, retailers, and restaurant brands making bold moves into the region. From Manteca to Bakersfield, new developments are reshaping shopping centers and dining options for residents, while creating hundreds of new jobs.

Grocery Anchors Lead the Way

Save Mart Companies has announced a flagship 52,000-square-foot full-service grocery store in Manteca’s Marketplace @ Main shopping center. Scheduled to open in the summer of 2026, the store will feature fresh produce, a bakery, deli, floral shop, outdoor dining, and eco-friendly systems. The design also integrates Amazon return kiosks, signaling a blend of traditional and modern retail convenience.

Meanwhile, Raley’s is preparing to expand its footprint with a brand-new store in Madera, set to open in 2027. In Clovis, the growing Loma Vista Marketplace is welcoming national tenants including Ulta Beauty, Tractor Supply, and Grocery Outlet—adding more choices to the suburban retail landscape.

Fast-Food Chains Heat Up Competition

The quick-service restaurant race is also accelerating. Chick-fil-A opened its newest Central Valley restaurant in Manteca on April 10, 2025, bringing 125 new jobs and multiple service options, including dine-in, drive-thru, and mobile ordering.

Port of Subs is preparing its Modesto debut by the end of 2025, while Raising Cane’s—known for its chicken fingers—is planning a Visalia location as part of its national expansion of 100 stores this year.

Local brand Quesadilla Gorilla, which started in Visalia, is also making waves, expanding into Clovis and beyond, proving that homegrown concepts can thrive alongside national chains.

Retail-Food Hybrids on the Rise

Wienerschnitzel, a California staple for hot dogs and chili cheese fries, is entering Walmart locations in Bakersfield by fall 2025. The move is part of a broader push to bring full menus into high-traffic retail centers, tapping into the growing trend of food-retail hybrids.

A Growing Market With National Attention

With the Central Valley’s population climbing and development surging—bolstered by new housing and industrial projects—retailers see the region as fertile ground for expansion. Analysts note that Fresno, Madera, Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Kern counties are increasingly drawing the kind of retail investment once reserved for California’s coastal hubs.

The combination of strong commuter traffic, affordable land, and business-friendly local governments is fueling a boom that shows no signs of slowing. For Central Valley residents, the message is clear: more choices are coming to shop, eat, and work right here at home.