Well-Known Family-Owned Grocery Chain Expands Into Central California

Vallarta Supermarkets, a family-run grocery store chain that specializes in Latin American and Mexican foods, is opening its third location in 2026.

On Wednesday, June 10, the chain is opening a store in Merced with a celebration.

Vallarta will be located at 851 W Olive Ave, Merced, CA 95348.

The celebration will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside giveaways, free samples, and live entertainment.

Five schools and charities in the Merced and surrounding areas will each receive around $1,500 worth of donations.

Additionally, the first 300 attendees to arrive at the occasion will be gifted a reusable bag with free groceries.

Vallarta Supermarkets has been in business since 1985. Vallarta currently operates 64 stores and will bring its total to 65 with the Merced opening.

Alongside groceries, the chain has a variety of departments customers can stop by.

The Vallarta Cevicheria offers folks a global selection of fresh and frozen seafood, alongside varieties of homemade ceviches and spicy aquachiles.

The Vallarta Carniceria, meanwhile, which is home to the Original Carne Asada, always remains stocked with cuts of meat.

Customers also have the option to have their meat trimmed to their preference.

But per Vallarta’s website, the Carniceria’s most renowned beef is their thinly sliced flank steak called “Ranchera.”

Vallarta further features its La Cocina department, which offers fresh dining and ready-to-eat food.

La Cocina’s menu includes breakfast, lunch, or dinner meals that originate from Mexico and Central America.

Each store also has a bakery, or panadería, alongside various other food departments.

Additionally, the Merced store will be the second to feature Marisquería Costa de Oro, which is known for its seafood tacos and ceviches.

Vallarta does not only offer food, though.

The chain has a department called Floreíra, solely dedicated to selling fresh flowers and bouquets.

Floreíra offers a deal where shoppers can buy three flower bunches for $15.

It also offers cacti trees, fig trees, and potted plants.

At each chain location, the department maintains relationships with local gardeners to ensure that their flowers are fresh.

Vallarta owners wanted to display their dedication to the city of Merced itself and its residents.

To do this, they hired local artist Patricia Pratt to paint a mural at the store for everyone to see when they stop by.

“We are thrilled to continue growing in Central California and bring the Vallarta experience to Merced,” said Allie Garcia, Vallarta’s Vice President of Marketing, in a press release. “Each new store represents more than just a place to shop. It is a place where families can find fresh, high-quality ingredients that celebrate their culture and traditions. We are especially proud to support local schools and charities as part of our openings, because investing in the community remains at the heart of everything we do.”

The upcoming Vallarta will bring 175 new jobs to the Merced community. Additionally, the 52,000-square-foot store will be found in the Marketplace at Merced, according to the press release issued by the chain.