Modesto-based Twins Food Outlet to open twin location in Merced
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Twins Food Outlet opened a new discount snack store in Merced on June 28, 2025.
- Owners prioritized customer loyalty and local demand from Merced flea market sales.
- Future expansion plans include opening a third store in Madera and growing southward.
Maria Estela Balderas and Antonio Balderas always planned to open a second location of Twins Food Outlet, even when they first opened eight years ago in Modesto.
On Saturday June 28, Twins Food Outlet opened its first location in Merced at 159 W Main St. The store sells food — especially snack food — at discounted prices.
“When we opened the first store, in my mind, it was to open another store. Because I’m a twin, so I wanted another, second store,” Maria Estela said.
There are three sets of twins in Estela’s family: she has a twin sister, her father is a twin and two more of her siblings are twins. From opening their first store, Maria Estela and Antonio learned to focus on customers.
“We know what we can put on sale for cheaper prices. And also treat very well to the customers,” said Antonio. “They are very loyal to us, but we have to be kind and nice to them.”
The pair chose Merced as a second location after selling at the flea market for the past three years. Maria Estela said people at the flea market would ask about the store address but say it was too far once they learned it was in Modesto.
She found their Main Street location while buying sewing tools for her grandmother at the nearby mini mall. They bought the location a year ago.
Store hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekends.
The pair want to open their next location in Madera and continue expanding south.
This story was originally published July 4, 2025 at 6:00 AM.