Costco isn’t the only new national chain coming to Riverbank. Here’s what else is opening
While the new Costco store coming to its companion development across the street is the talk of, well, several surrounding towns, Riverbank’s original Crossroads shopping center still is making news of its own.
For the first time since its 2005 opening, the shopping center will have to put up a “No vacancy” sign. Last year, work was completed on the last available empty pad in the retail complex, with the opening of El Pollo Loco. Now, two other spaces that had been vacant are finishing renovations in preparation for opening.
The center’s largest vacant space is being worked on to get ready for its new national retail tenant. The former Best Buy, which was closed in October by the big-box electronics retailer, is set to become a new Burlington store.
This will be only the second location in Stanislaus County for department store and clothing retailer. The chain (formerly known as Burlington Coat Factory) has had a Modesto location since 2002 on McHenry Avenue. Now, more than 20 years later, the second regional site will open in the 30,000-square-foot space.
Will Bettencourt, leasing agent with Crossroads developer Browman Development Co., said the new Burlington is expected to open by the end of the year. The store is known for its large selection of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, as well as home and beauty products. The next closest current location to its Modesto site is in Manteca.
But before the Burlington debuts, expect another new chain to open after a long delay in the center. The long-planned Nick the Greek restaurant should open later this month. Representatives from the Mediterranean food franchise, which was started in San Jose by three cousins all named Nick, said the Riverbank location has tentatively scheduled its opening for July 25, though the date may shift depending on other openings in the region.
The company announced its planned arrival in Riverbank at the start of 2022 and had hoped to open by the end of that year. But instead, the company was acquired late last year by the much larger food franchise corporation YTG Enterprises. The company is the largest domestic franchiser of Jack in the Box and TGI Fridays locations, and also one of the largest Denny’s franchise operators.
The food chain has continued to grow rapidly through its acquisition. At the time of the merger, Nick the Greek had 48 locations, primarily in California but also in Nevada, Kansas, Utah and Texas. In May, it opened its 60th location. The Riverbank location will be among 20 sites it plans to open before the end of this year, according to industry trade site Restaurant News.
The new Crossroads Nick the Greek site is readying its opening in the 4,000-square-foot corner space of the former Westamerica Bank. The eatery is known for its French-fry and meat filled gyros (Greek pita sandwiches) and souvlakis (Greek meat skewers).
Once the Burlington and Nick the Greek locations open, the center should be full and fully open. Last year saw the opening of several new businesses in the popular retail complex, including national soap and fragrance seller Bath & Body Works, national infrared heated yoga and fitness chain HotWorx and local Hawaiian/Japanese restaurant chain Poke Bowl.
Meanwhile, the new Costco recently announced as the major and first new tenant for the companion Crossroads West regional shopping center will have a groundbreaking celebration with local dignitaries on July 11. The wholesale membership chain is expected to open its new location in mid-2024.
