Which chains do Merced residents want the most? This grocery store tops the list
What businesses is Merced missing?
From a steakhouse and a bowling alley to popular grocery store and restaurant chains, many residents say there are still gaps in Merced’s business scene.
The Merced Sun-Star asked readers which big-name businesses they’d most like to see come to town. We received more than 40 submissions.
Here’s what you voted for:
What’s stopping Trader Joe’s from opening in Merced?
For years, residents in Merced have asked for a Trader Joe’s location — and it’s still one of the most requested additions.
Out of more than 40 reader responses to the Merced Sun-Star, eight mentioned Trader Joe’s, a national grocery chain specializing in “best quality products at the best everyday prices.”
Many pointed to its unique products, affordable prices and customer service as reasons they’d like to see the store come to town.
“It’s a great food store with very unique items, excellent employees, and reasonably priced,” reader Mary Jension wrote.
“Great quality, variety and prices,” reader Patricia Ryan said.
The closest Trader Joe’s to Merced is at 3401 Dale Road in Modesto — about 44 miles away by car, according to Google Maps.
“Hate having to drive to Modesto for some good oat milk,” reader Edwin Acuna said.
City officials previously said they’ve had ongoing conversations with Trader Joe’s representatives, but Merced’s population size continues to stand in the way.
Trader Joe’s typically opens stores in cities with at least 100,000 residents, and Merced’s population is currently at 90,971 residents, according to the city website.
While Merced continues to grow, there were no plans yet for a Trader Joe’s in the city as of Wednesday, April 15.
The company has several new locations listed as “coming soon” in California and other states, including a store in Paso Robles.
Is Chick-fil-A still coming to Merced?
Chick-fil-A, a popular fast food chain known for its chicken sandwiches, is one of the top businesses Merced residents want to see — ranking second in reader requests, with five out of 40 submissions.
“The closest one is 1 hour away,” one reader wrote.
“I believe it will be very prosperous not only to the business but to the people of Merced,” Sun-Star reader Monica Sanchez said. “It will bring a lot of people from other cities near Merced to come which will be good for other businesses as well.”
Plans for a Merced location have been in the works for more than two years.
City officials said the project is still planned — but currently on hold.
The restaurant was originally proposed near 15th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way, just off Highway 99, placing it near other popular chains including In-N-Out Burger and Taco Bell.
City officials said the project is tied to California High-Speed Rail plans.
Merced is one of several Central Valley cities expected to get a bullet train station, and the proposed Chick-fil-A site falls within that development area.
Construction could move forward once key rail plans are finalized.
In the meantime, the closest Chick-fil-A locations are about an hour away in Manteca and Fresno.
However, a new Chick-fil-A is under construction in Turlock at 2530 Countryside Drive — roughly 30 minutes from Merced by car.
Where is nearest Dave’s Hot Chicken to Merced?
While Merced has no shortage of fried chicken spots, one popular name is still missing — Dave’s Hot Chicken.
The chain ranked No. 3 on Sun-Star readers’ wish lists, with four votes.
There are more than 50 Dave’s Hot Chicken locations across California, but the closest one to Merced is in Turlock.
The restaurant recently opened at 2741 Countryside Drive in Turlock, making it about a 30-minute drive for Merced residents.
As of Wednesday, no plans for a Merced location had been announced.
However, a similar option is on the way.
Angry Chickz — known for its spicy chicken sandwiches, crispy tenders and creamy macaroni and cheese — is planning to open in Merced at 62 West 16th St., according to city officials.
An official opening date had not been announced as of Wednesday.
What other businesses are missing locations in Merced?
Several other popular chains also made the wish list for Merced residents.
WinCo Foods, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Barnes & Noble and Raising Cane’s each received two votes from readers.
Merced previously had a Barnes & Noble location, but the bookstore closed in 2024 after about 20 years in business.
Store managers previously told the Merced Sun-Star they hoped to eventually find a new location in the city.
There is also good news for fans of Raising Cane’s.
The Louisiana-based chicken chain is planning a new location at the Marketplace at Merced, taking over part of the former Big Lots space at 665 Fairfield Drive in Merced.
While an opening date hadn’t been announced as of Wednesday, the company has signed a 15-year lease for the site.
As for WinCo Foods, TJ Maxx and HomeGoods, there were no plans for those retailers to open in Merced as of Wednesday.
Here are the restaurant and retail chains that received one vote apiece from readers:
- ALDI
- Arby’s
- BJs Restaurant & Brewhouse
- Club Studio
- Dunkin' Donuts
- GAP
- IKEA
- Jersey’s Mikes Subs
- John’s Incredible Pizza
- Old Navy
- Pieology Pizzeria
- Sam’s Club
- Wienerschnitzel
- Yard House
