What would your dream Modesto shopping or dining experience be if you had the power to shape your community? Area residents have a strong interest in Chick-fil-A, The Cheesecake Factory, an additional Trader Joe’s location, Nordstrom Rack and even Cracker Barrel, previous Bee reporting found.
With so many possibilities, how much influence can a citizen really have in bringing a national chain favorite to town? Jessica Hill, Modesto’s director of community and economic development, has the answers.
“I would recommend an individual to contact our economic development department to let them know that there’s interest in bringing this type of business to Modesto,” she said. Department staff look at gaps in the market and existing services and will reach out directly to businesses to see what it would take to get them here.
Hill said the city can facilitate communication between businesses and property owners to find suitable locations. Keep in mind, because of zoning restrictions, not all locations are available even if they seem like a good fit.