While Hmart has made a name for themselves as America’s number one Asian supermarket chain, the South Bay region of Los Angeles county welcomed Hmart to Torrance for the first time on Wednesday, June 22 in Torrance, California.
Shoppers packed the aisles at the grand opening, both inquisitive, yet excited to experience what the supermarket has to offer.
Torrance Mayor Pat Furey, Hmart CEO Brian Kwon, and members of the business and civic community welcomed the brand’s 53rd store with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
They are confident the market will be welcomed by the neighborhood and find success.
“This will become the top, or within the top three locations in the chain in the next six months,” said Furey.
The mayor’s optimism was validated by the large crowd of residents at Wednesday’s event who were eager to become the store’s first customers. Vince Colatriano, Hmart’s vice president of procurement headquarters, said the brand’s reputation helped draw the crowd for the opening.
“The know us for our quality, our value, and our assortment of goods,” said Colatriano.
Hmart does not rely on outside importers, which allows the company to reduce costs and pass those savings on to their customers, according to Colatriano. Hmart also operates its own wholesale seafood business, which ensures that their products are always fresh.
“Everything is special every week,” said Jason Park, store manager.
The latest Hmart location offers more than just groceries. Inside, the market also houses a branch of BBCN Bank, Tous le Jours Bakery, and a food court offering Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese cuisines to cater to the diverse surrounding community.
Chef Harrison Ono of Soup Noodlehouse recommends patrons to try their deep fried rendition of Bao with pork and rice. The restaurant serves uncommon, northern style Vietnamese food that Ono expects will be a big hit in the neighborhood.
“This store represents a new standard going forward,” said Colatriano.
The company is in the midst of tremendous expansion, he added, with plans to open four more locations in California this year alone.
Visit Hmart’s newest branch at 4340 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance California during regular business hours from 8 am to 10 pm.
