Home Depot launches construction as part of billion-dollar Mexico expansion
Construction has begun on a new Home Depot store behind MAC Hospital, marking San Miguel de Allende's entry into the Georgia-based retailer's ambitious five-year expansion across Mexico. The company invested US $21 million in the local project and modified its design to meet municipal requirements, including replacing mesquite trees removed during construction and incorporating public space improvements.
The San Miguel location is part of Home Depot's US $1.3 billion investment plan announced in February 2025, which aims to grow the chain from 140 stores to 165 locations nationwide by 2030. The expansion represents the company's largest annual commitment in Mexico over the past decade, with MX $4.788 billion (approximately US $267 million) allocated for 2026 alone—a 25% increase over the previous year.
Since entering the Mexican market in 2000-2001 with just four stores and 500 employees, Home Depot has expanded to over 140 locations across all 32 states, employing more than 18,000 people in at least 100 cities. The company currently sources 85% of its products from Mexican suppliers and has committed to reaching 100% national sourcing by 2028, a move that would also open access to U.S. and Canadian stores for Mexican vendors.
The nationwide expansion is expected to create 2,000 direct jobs and over 10,000 indirect positions across Mexico. In addition to San Miguel de Allende, Home Depot plans new stores in León and Guanajuato as part of the investment program.
The San Miguel market already has numerous hardware and home supply outlets, including several Grupo Ferretero Don Pedro locations. The main store operates at Carretera San Miguel a Celaya Km. 2.4, with additional branches at Avenida Independencia 4 in San Rafael and Calzada de la Aurora 20 in Guadalupe.
Residents petition for Highway 51 safety improvements following fatal accidents
At least five deaths and multiple accidents along Federal Highway 51 southwest of San Miguel have prompted area residents to submit a formal request for road improvements to the State of Guanajuato Public Works Department.
Residents from El Malanquín, Antigua, La Cañada, Los Huizaches, El Mirador, Villa de los Frailes and La Serena subdivisions say thousands of people use the affected stretch daily and face dangerous conditions at a problematic intersection and U-turn given current traffic patterns and increasing vehicle numbers. They are requesting evaluation and installation of a traffic light, a pedestrian crossing and comprehensive safety measures.
The petition emphasizes a preventative approach.
Our request is purely preventative. We are not waiting for more accidents to happen before taking action; on the contrary, we request that timely measures be implemented to protect the lives of residents, visitors, and users of this important roadway.
Road safety remains a significant concern throughout Guanajuato state, which recorded 509 traffic fatalities in 2022—the highest number among all Mexican states and approximately 9.7% of the national total.
Residents scheduled a meeting on July 29 with state and city representatives to discuss the situation.
Café de la Parroquia closes after 37 years in Centro
Café de la Parroquia at Jesús 11 in Centro ceased operations on July 19 after 37 years serving Mexican-style meals made to order. The family-run establishment, founded in 1989, was known for quality food at reasonable prices and was one of the few such venues within walking distance of the main square.
Since 1989, we have had the privilege of being part of the life of San Miguel de Allende and of welcoming people from all over the world. What began as a restaurant has become, thanks to you, a place full of memories, smiles and moments that will last forever.
The owners plan to sell the building that housed the cafe. The closure reflects broader challenges facing the restaurant industry across North America, where economic pressures have forced widespread closures in 2025-2026. Major Mexican restaurant chains including On the Border, Acapulco, and Gringos Locos have shut down locations or ceased operations entirely due to inflation, rising labor costs, and declining customer traffic. Restaurant industry data shows 8,171 closures across the U.S. and Canada during the first half of 2026 alone.