H Mart, the Asian grocery-and-more chain with more than 100 locations around the country, is, at this point, too broadly popular to be called a “cult favorite.” After the much-celebrated launch of its first location in Orlando, H Mart has now started construction on its first store in the Tampa Bay area, according to coverage by That’s So Tampa.
H Mart is known for its wide selection of Asian grocery items, as well as its “innovative new food halls which are an extension of over 30 years of providing eateries in its stores.”
As Tampa Bay’s very first H Mart moves forward, there’s no official opening timeline yet, but the buzz is already building. On Google Maps, the Tampa store, which will open at 3908 W Hillsborough Ave. is already picking up reviews. Most are pure exuberance: 5-star reviews with no text included.
“How wonderful,” says one, however. “It’s about time we have an H Mart in Tampa. But I think North Tampa will need 1 as well.”
“H Mart is the largest Asian supermarket chain in America and is the pioneer of Asian food in America,” says the H Mart website’s About Us page. “Starting in 1982 with a single store in Woodside, Queens, H Mart has grown to include more than 97 stores across the United States. H Mart is America’s premier Asian food destination and provides groceries and everyday essential needs as well as upscale products. H Mart offers a full line of Asian foods as well as a broad range of Western groceries to complement its full scale offering to that of a traditional supermarket.”
What Now reached out to H Mart Executive Vice President Vince Colatriano on Friday to inquire about plans for the rollout. Colatriano was not immediately available for comment.
You can keep up with all things H Mart by following @hmartofficial on Instagram.
