Local commerce gets boost as mixed feelings emerge
Adelanto, California (High Desert News Online) – Construction is already underway on the Adelanto town center, promising residents a new McDonald’s, Starbucks, and state-of-the-art car wash in the city’s busy Highway 395 commercial corridor.
Economic development along Highway 395
Adelanto’s latest retail push takes shape at the intersection of Highway 395 and Desert Flower Road, where developers have laid the groundwork for a 53,500-square-foot center. Spearheaded by Lewis Retail Centers, the project aims to serve both local families and travelers passing through the High Desert, boosting sales tax revenues and creating dozens of construction and service-sector jobs. City officials say the center will act as a catalyst for further investment along the corridor, aligning with long-term growth plans adopted by the City Council.
With a backdrop of rolling desert hills, the site has already drawn interest from national chains and local entrepreneurs. In addition to familiar quick-service brands, plans include at least one locally owned restaurant, underscoring a desire to blend national anchors with community flavor. The development also features ample parking, drive-thru lanes, and pedestrian walkways, aiming for a balance of convenience and accessibility.
Business lineup at Adelanto town center
The center’s anchor tenants will include:
- McDonald’s: Branded as a high-traffic draw, the franchise is expected to operate 24/7 with a full menu and digital ordering kiosks.
- Starbucks: Positioned as a morning and afternoon stop, the café will feature both drive-thru and walk-up service, catering to commuters and residents.
- Poppy Carwash: A modern, automated facility offering express wash packages and free vacuums, aimed at serving drivers on the go.
- Los Alazanes Mexican Restaurant: A local favorite, adding regional flavor with homestyle dishes and indoor-outdoor seating.
Together, these tenants create a diverse mix of fast food, coffee, car care, and sit-down dining—designed to meet everyday needs and encourage repeat visits.
Community reactions and food-access concerns
Reaction to the new town center has been mixed. Many residents applaud the long-awaited addition of recognizable brands and conveniences, noting that Adelanto has historically lacked national retailers. “I’m excited to have a Starbucks close by,” said one commuter, citing the convenience during school drop-offs.
However, others question the emphasis on fast food and service businesses over essential amenities. Food-access advocates point out that Adelanto remains underserved by full-service grocery stores, forcing many households to rely on convenience markets or travel long distances for fresh produce. Resident Messe Haslacker summed up this sentiment: “The citizens do not have anywhere to buy fresh groceries in this area—only a few convenience stores,” underscoring broader concerns about nutrition and affordability.
City Council meetings have featured both enthusiastic endorsements of the project’s economic impact and calls for a grocery-anchored next phase. Local nonprofit leaders are urging developers to include a supermarket in future phases to address the city’s status as part of a rural food desert in San Bernardino County.
Future outlook and impact on Adelanto
As construction crews pour concrete and set steel frames, eyes are already turning to Phase 2. City planners hope to leverage the momentum to attract medical offices, retail services, and potentially a small hotel or senior living facility. The overarching goal is a mixed-use Town Center that balances commercial vitality with community needs.
Economic forecasts suggest the completed center could generate upwards of $1 million in annual sales tax revenue, funding city services, parks, and infrastructure improvements. Moreover, the project’s visibility along Interstate 15 may elevate Adelanto’s regional profile, drawing visitors who previously bypassed the city.
Yet the tension between national-brand growth and local priorities remains. Advocates for a grocery store and expanded healthcare services continue to press the City Council, while developers stress that proofs of concept—like McDonald’s and Starbucks—are needed to finance larger, more complex projects down the road.
Community reaction and next steps
In the months ahead, Adelanto residents can expect regular updates on construction progress and public hearings on future phases. City staff plan community workshops to gather input on desired amenities, including the possibility of a full-service grocery store, medical clinic, or family entertainment venue.
Whether the Town Center ultimately addresses both economic and social needs will depend on sustained collaboration among city officials, developers, and community stakeholders. If successful, Adelanto could transform a stretch of desert highway into a vibrant regional hub—while ensuring residents don’t have to leave town for life’s basic necessities.
