Resendiz Fruit Barn: Fresh Produce and Family Fun
Resendiz Fruit Barn is a beloved Modesto destination for fresh produce and old-fashioned family fun.
Francisco Resendiz, owner of Resendiz Fruit Barn, first came to California as a teenager, working alongside his family in the fields. When he returned to Mexico a few years later, he saw many of his friends were already pursuing careers in law and medicine. This inspired Francisco to start thinking seriously about what he wanted to do with his life. While at a conference in Santa Barbara, Francisco found his sign – in this case, a literal sign. A poster reading “Agriculture feeds the world” stopped Francisco in his tracks, and at once he knew what he wanted to do with his life – farming.
In 1988, Francisco and his wife bought a small farm, selling their produce out of one cooler at a make-shift roadside stand. As the business grew, the family expanded their acreage and began to diversify their crops. Today, the Resendiz Family grows more than 100 types of produce and nuts across four ranches. The Modesto roadside stand that started it all is now a brick and mortar building – complete with an adjacent pond, playground and covered picnic area.
Resendiz Fruit Barn is open year-round and showcases the Resendiz family’s locally grown, pesticide-free produce. The family is famous for their stone fruit – their peaches, nectarines, plums, pluots, apricots and cherries are a Fruit Barn favorite and incredibly popular at farmers markets throughout the states. In addition to stone fruit, the Resendiz family also grows almonds, onions, blackberries, grapes, melons, oranges, pears, tangerines, tomatoes, figs, lemons, persimmons, pomegranates, tomatillos, watermelon and more!
Like your favorite farmers market…but open every day.
Resendiz Fruit Barn is a mash-up between your favorite farmers market and a high-end grocery store. Brightly colored fresh fruits and vegetables are artfully arranged in baskets throughout the space. The walls are lined with attractive displays showcasing jams, salsa, olive oil and honey from local producers.
While produce is the star of the show at Resendiz Fruit Barn, the store also offers smoothies, coffee, and an assortment of delicious baked goods including freshly baked pies, cookies, and cakes (often spiked with ripe fruit). Francisco recommends the Boysenberry Pie – it’s his personal favorite, but from the variety of items we sampled, there are no wrong choices here!
Find Resendiz Family Farms at farmers markets
If you aren’t able to make it to the Modesto area to visit Resendiz Family Fruit Barn, you can find their pesticide-free fresh produce at dozens of farmers markets across the state. The Resendiz Family team is committed to providing their fruits and vegetables to customers from Watsonville to Walnut Creek – seven days a week.
Check their website for the latest farmers market info
Fruit…with a side of fun
Resendiz Fruit Barn is just a few minutes off Highway 99, making it the perfect place for a pit stop if you’re driving through the Central Valley with kids and it’s a Modesto family favorite. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick visit, looking for a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon, or planning around their seasonal events, there’s always fun to be had at Resendiz Fruit Barn!
Gated playground with covered picnic tables
Kids can run wild across the grassy area, clamber across the expansive playground and take a ride on the mini train while parents enjoy a smoothie and a snack at the covered picnic tables.
Pumpkin patch
During the month of October, Resendiz Fruit Farm is the place to go for fall family fun. Pick the perfect pumpkin, make your way through the corn maze, or take a ride on the tricycle track. While you’re there, don’t skip the homemade pumpkin pie and other seasonal treats and drinks!
Easter events
Every Easter, Resendiz Fruit Barn hosts a family Easter Egg hunt. Bring your Easter baskets – and your shopping baskets. There’s never a shortage of seasonal produce and treats at Resendiz Fruit Barn!
Visit Resendiz Fruit Barn
Ready to head to Resendiz Fruit Barn? Stock up on a huge selection of delicious fruit, fresh groceries and delectable homemade treats!
4342 Geer Rd
Hughson, CA 95326
(208) 883-0100
Open daily 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Article by Hilary Rance. Photography by James Collier.