A Vallarta Supermarkets location in Indio, California. Vallarta photo

Vallarta Supermarkets will celebrate the grand opening of its new Merced location on June 10, marking the family-owned grocery chain’s third store opening of 2026 and further expanding its presence in Central California.

The new store, located at 851 W. Olive Ave. in the Marketplace at Merced shopping center, will create approximately 175 jobs and occupy 52,000 square feet, according to a company announcement.

The opening reflects Vallarta’s continued investment in the Central Valley, where the company now operates eight stores across The Business Journal coverage area, including four in Fresno County, one in Madera County and three in Tulare County. 

What’s happening

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for June 10 and will include live entertainment, giveaways and community donations. The first 300 customers through the doors will receive a reusable grocery bag filled with groceries.

Vallarta also announced it will donate a combined $7,500 to five local schools and charitable organizations as part of the opening.

“We are thrilled to continue growing in Central California and bring the Vallarta experience to Merced,” said Allie Garcia, vice president of marketing for Vallarta Supermarkets, in a statement.

The Merced location will be the second Vallarta store to feature Marisquería Costa de Oro, a seafood-focused dining concept offering ceviche, seafood tacos, shrimp cocktails and tostadas.

Quick Facts

• Location: 851 W. Olive Ave., Merced
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• Opening date: June 10
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• Store size: 52,000 square feet
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• Jobs created: 175
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• Community donations: $7,500 to local schools and nonprofits
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• Company footprint: 65 stores in California and Arizona

Why it matters

The opening adds another major grocery operator to Merced while expanding Vallarta’s regional presence in a market that continues to attract retail investment.

The store will feature the company’s signature departments, including its carnicería, panadería, cremería, pescadería, cevichería and prepared-food offerings through La Cocina. Other features include a juice bar, florería and made-to-order guacamole station.

Company officials said the store was designed to reflect the culture and traditions of the communities it serves while providing access to fresh food and prepared meals.

The location also features a custom mural created by Merced artist Patricia Pratt, highlighting local culture and community identity.

Regional presence grows

Founded in 1985, Vallarta Supermarkets now operates 65 stores throughout California and Arizona and employs more than 9,000 people, according to the company.

Within the Business Journal coverage area, Vallarta operates stores in Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Visalia, Tulare and Porterville. The Merced opening further strengthens the company’s presence across the northern and central San Joaquin Valley as it continues its expansion throughout California.

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Artificial intelligence was used to produce this news report, which was then reviewed by a journalist in The Business Journal’s newsroom before publication.