These 10 new businesses are coming to Merced. See where they’ll be opening
Merced is continuing to grow, welcoming a wave of new residents and businesses.
Several new shops have already opened — from a discount store to a beauty salon — and the momentum isn’t slowing down.
More businesses, including new restaurants, coffee shops and dessert spots, are getting ready to open their doors in the coming months.
Here’s a look at what’s coming to Merced:
Is Nothing Bundt Cakes coming to Merced?
Nothing Bundt Cakes, a specialty bakery chain known for customizable bundt cakes topped with its signature cream cheese frosting, is expanding to Merced.
The popular bakery offers bundt cakes in several sizes and flavors, including red velvet, white chocolate raspberry, lemon and classic vanilla.
According to city permit records, Nothing Bundt Cakes is planning to open a location in Merced.
As of Monday, March 23, the dessert chain had yet to announce an opening date — or an exact location.
Where will Aspen Dental open in Merced?
Aspen Dental will open a location in Merced.
The nationwide network of dental practices offers preventive, restorative and surgical care, according to the company website.
The Aspen Dental office is currently being built at the Shoppes at Merced, city officials said. The new dentist office will open its doors at 3170 R St. at Merced.
An official opening date had not been announced, as of Monday.
When is new ramen spot opening in Merced?
A new Japanese noodle spot, Dusk to Don, is set to open a location in Merced at the crossroads of Yosemite Avenue and G Street.
The restaurant will serve a mix of classic favorites, including tonkatsu ramen, shoyu ramen, curry udon and dashi udon, according to the business’ Instagram page.
Guests can also expect “late-night Japanese comfort food” and matcha drinks.
Dusk to Don plans to be open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, offering a late-night dining option.
The restaurant will hold its grand opening on Sunday, April 12.
Where will the new Raising Cane’s open in Merced?
Raising Cane’s, a popular fast food chain known for its chicken fingers, is coming to the Marketplace at Merced.
The Louisiana-based restaurant will take over part of the former Big Lots space at 665 Fairfield Drive.
While an official opening date hasn’t been announced, the chain has already signed a 15-year lease for the location.
Is Merced getting a new ice cream shop?
Rock N Roll Handrolled Premium Ice Cream plans to open a new location in Merced, according to the company’s Instagram account.
“Get ready for fresh hand-rolled ice cream made right in front of you, premium flavors, and the ultimate dessert experience you already love,” the ice cream company said in a March 2 Instagram post.
The Northern California dessert chain, known for rolled ice cream that’s made fresh to order in front of customers, recently opened its fifth location in Stanislaus County.
The ice cream shop offers several flavors, including a Dubai chocolate ice cream topped with crispy phyllo dough, pistachio butter and chocolate drizzle.
As of Monday, March 23, an opening date and exact location for the Merced dessert shop had yet to be announced.
When and where will Joy Tea Bar open new location?
Joy Tea Bar — a locally owned mobile pop-up known for its handcrafted drinks — will open a tea and coffee shop in Merced.
The businesses will begin serving up its Vietnamese coffee, matcha, specialty chai and creative fruit teas at a vacant space in Fahren’s Park Plaza, 3376 North Highway 59 in Merced.
According to the business’ Facebook page, some popular drinks on the menu include the banana matcha — an iced matcha latte topped with banana cream cold foam and toffee bits — and the strawberry pearl, made with strawberry syrup, fresh strawberries and tapioca pearls.
Joy Tea Bar owner Hushee Xiong said she is aiming to have the store open by June.
Is Angry Chickz opening a restaurant in Merced?
Angry Chickz is bringing its fiery Nashville-style hot chicken to Merced, according to city officials.
The popular East Hollywood-based chain is known for its spicy fried chicken sandwiches, crispy tenders and creamy macaroni and cheese.
The new restaurant is slated to open at 62 West 16th St. in Merced.
An opening date for the restaurant has not yet been announced.
What is Pollo Campero bringing to Merced?
Pollo Campero is coming to Merced, bringing its famous fried and grilled chicken to local diners.
The Guatemalan fast-food chain is known for pairing its chicken with sides including rice, beans, yucca fries and more.
“Pollo Campero will locate on a pad fronting R Street, subject to site plan modifications and building permit approval,” city officials wrote in a statement.
An official opening date had not yet been announced as of Monday.
Where will Vallarta Supermarkets open new grocery store?
A new Vallarta Supermarkets location is coming to Merced.
The Mexican-American grocery chain operates serval locations across the Central Valley, including Modesto and Fresno.
It is known for offering fresh produce and fresh-baked goods.
The supermarket will occupy the vacant space next to Kohl’s at the Marketplace at Merced on West Olive Avenue.
As of Monday, an official opening date had not been announced.
The grocery chain is preparing renovations for its store, which requires a building permit, city officials said.
Where will new Poki Bowl restaurant open in Merced?
A new Poki Bowl restaurant is coming to Merced, offering customizable fish dishes to local diners.
A poke bowl is a Hawaiian dish made with marinated, raw fish — such as tuna or salmon — typically served over rice and topped with fresh veggies, sauces and garnishes.
The Poki Bowl menu centers around build-your-own poke bowls, giving customers the freedom to customize every bite.
While an official opening date hasn’t been announced, the new Poki Bowl will be located at the Yosemite Crossing shopping center at 145 East Yosemite Ave., according to city permit records.
