Fast-growing Vallarta Supermarkets seeks new Central Valley location

18 Sep

Fast-growing Vallarta Supermarkets seeks new Central Valley location

A Vallarta Supermarkets location in Indio, California. Vallarta photo

published on September 18, 2023 - 1:38 PM
Written by John Lindt

Hispanic grocer Vallarta Supermarket has filed preliminary plans for a second location in Visalia this week.

The fast growing chain, founded in 1985 with corporate offices in Los Angeles, has 53 stores in California and wants to be part of a new shopping center on the eastern edge of town at Lovers Lane and Noble Avenue near Highway 198.

Plans submitted to the city say the grocery-store-anchored shopping center would wrap around the several existing businesses on the corner including a 7-11, gas station, strip mall and restaurant on the southeast corner of the intersection. The site is one of the largest open spaces adjacent Highway 198.

The new retail center at 600 S. Lovers Lane will have seven buildings that include the supermarket, two retail stores, a carwash, two drive-thru restaurants and one drive-thru coffee house. The new Vallarta store would be 53,000 square feet with one co-anchored store with 26,000 square feet.

The fast growing chain already has a location on Dinuba Blvd. in north Visalia and one each in Porterville and Tulare. The company just filed plans on Shaw Avenue in Clovis for a new store with three existing locations in the Fresno area already. The company’s stores are concentrated in Southern California.

The privately-held chain might be expected to target Tulare County for expansion, where the Hispanic population now exceeds 67%. The proposed location just off the freeway could draw customers from Latino communities including Farmersville, Woodlake, Exeter and Lindsay.

The proposed location will have the supermarket competing for customers with the long established R-N Market just across the street. A Walmart grocery store, Save Mart and Food Maxx are not far away.

Expect a full-line grocery store with a carnicería meat counter, flower shop, produce and bakery offering popular Mexican breads and sweets.

Typical prepared foods are featured including hot dishes with store-made tortillas, soups, carnitas, tamales and tacos available for delivery or pick-up.

The shopping center design is being submitted by architect Wade Shuey. Ownership spokesperson Toni Merrihew of Indio says the company hopes to complete construction in mid 2024.

Owners include Palm Springs businessman Nachhattar Chandi of the Chandi Group. Chandi Group has built several Arco gas stations in Visalia, including one at the Vallarta site. Chandi Group also owns a shopping center in Clovis.