Merced County's evolving business landscape 2025

All six stories offer insight into business movements within Merced County during 2025, illustrating a landscape of both change and opportunity. Notable ventures include new openings, such as the arrival of Raising Cane's at Marketplace at Merced, and closing events like the Save Mart distribution center and Taste of Little India reflecting broader economic patterns.

Save Mart decides to close its distribution center in Merced County, marking a significant shift in the local employment scene. This closure affects 254 workers, sparking efforts from organizations like Worknet Merced County to help impacted employees find new roles. Meanwhile, Raising Cane's opens at Marketplace at Merced, replacing a former Big Lots location. This venture marks an expansion in Merced's food service sector. Alongside this, The Come Up Kickz relocates its sneaker store within the marketplace seeking better security and operational stability. Additionally, Taste of Little India announces its closure after 23 years. Despite its significant contribution to local dining culture, the restaurant must vacate due to lease termination, highlighting the challenges independent businesses face within real estate dynamics.

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The Yosemite Wholesale Distribution Center located at 2674 E. Vassar Avenue in Merced, Calif., on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. Save Mart confirmed the planned closure of the facility in a statement sent to the Merced Sun-Star. By Andrew Kuhn

NO. 1: SAVE MART DISTRIBUTION CENTER TO CLOSE MERCED COUNTY LOCATION

The company confirmed the planned closure this week | Published September 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Andrew Kuhn

New employees participate in training in preparation for Monday’s grand opening at Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers restaurant in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Dec. 16, 2022. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 2: NEW RESTAURANT TO OPEN AT MARKETPLACE AT MERCED. THE CHAIN SPECIALIZES IN CHICKEN FINGERS

The fast food eatery will replace the shuttered Big Lots at 665 Fairfield Dr., mall owners announced. | Published January 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alma Villegas

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Hola Cafecito, a specialty coffee shop located at 429 W. Main Street, opened its doors to the public in Merced, Calif., on Thursday, March 13, 2025. By Andrew Kuhn

NO. 3: SPECIALTY COFFEE SHOP OPENS IN MERCED, OFFERING UNIQUE FLAVORS AND WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE

The location offers a variety of house specials including coffees and teas. | Published March 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Andrew Kuhn

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Taste of Little India located at 1052 W. Main Street in Merced, Calif., on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Restaurant owner Parm Samra said he was informed that the building has changed ownership and his lease has been terminated. The restaurant will close on April 11. By Andrew Kuhn

NO. 4: MERCED’S TASTE OF LITTLE INDIA RESTAURANT TO CLOSE AFTER 23 YEARS OF BUSINESS

Owner Parm Samra has been in business for nearly 30 years, working to make Indian food mainstream in the Merced area. | Published April 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Andrew Kuhn

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The Come Up Kickz located inside the Marketplace at Merced in Merced, Calif., on Friday, May 16, 2025. The business sells, buys and trades merchandise such as sneakers, collectibles, designer items and clothing. By Andrew Kuhn

NO. 5: SNEAKER AND COLLECTIBLE SHOP OPENS NEW LOCATION IN MARKETPLACE AT MERCED

The owner cited security concerns as a factor contributing to the relocation. | Published May 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Andrew Kuhn

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Construction continues on the future home of Valley Eats, a food truck park located at 1997 W. Olive Avenue behind Starbucks and 7-Eleven near the intersection of West Olive Avenue and Highway 59 in Merced, Calif., on Friday, June 6, 2025. By Andrew Kuhn

NO. 6: MERCED’S NEW FOOD TRUCK PARK TO OFFER AFFORDABLE EATS, COMMUNITY VIBES

The area will feature up to seven food trucks offering various cuisine. | Published June 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Andrew Kuhn

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.