Austin residents may remember the buzz created by Trader Joe’s long-anticipated arrival in 2013. And if you’ve been here for a while, you probably recall earlier additions to the Austin grocery scene that expanded our shopping options, including the new Whole Food world headquarters grand opening in 2005—or even further back, the two Central Market openings in 1994 and 1996.
Now, two prominent Asian grocery chains are cementing our reputation as an international city: H Mart and 99 Ranch Market. While both stores cater first and foremost to shoppers with cultural roots in Asia, they’re hugely popular among shoppers of all backgrounds. Read on, and it’s no surprise why:
H Mart – This massive Korean supermarket chain had its beginnings in 1982 in Queens, New York. Since then, it’s made its way to Austin (as well as 60+ other locations in 12 states across the U.S.), opening on February 15 at 11301 Lakeline Boulevard. In the seafood section, you’ll find sashimi-grade sushi to make your own poke or sashimi, as well as shellfish and octopus by the pound. Head over to the meat department for pre-sliced frozen meats for Vietnamese pho or Korean barbecue, or have the butcher slice some dry aged prime T-bones and ribeyes fresh for you. Don’t feel like cooking? Market Eatery stalls sell Taiwanese shaved ice, sushi, tofu soup, and more. The eatery will feature two new food stalls from San Francisco chef Deuki Hong, including his Korean fried chicken restaurant, Sunday Bird, and a Korean barbecue spot, Sunday BBQ.
99 Ranch Market, at Airport and North Lamar boulevards, opened under limited capacity on March 3, with its grand opening on March 10. The store, which first opened in California in 1984, has since grown to become the largest Asian supermarket chain in the U.S., with over 42 store locations in California, Nevada, Texas, Washington State, and soon-to-come New Jersey and Oregon. The grocery area of the supermarket sells Chinese, Korean, and Japanese produce, dry goods, frozen foods, meats, and more, with free on-site steaming or frying at the seafood counter. 99 Ranch also has a food hall, with vendors from other 99 Ranch locations. They include Chinese food spot Asian Gourmet Kitchen, serving up roast duck, barbecue, and dim sum; and BF Bakery and Café, which sells Asian baked goods like egg tarts, pandan cake, buns and more.
Next on the Austin grocery horizon is 365 by Whole Foods, an entire grocery store dedicated to Whole Foods’ budget line. That store, which is scheduled to open its doors in late 2019, will be located in East Austin’s Plaza Saltillo, a 10-acre development at I-35 and E. Fifth Street.
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