News Summary
H Mart has opened its largest California store in Westminster, featuring a diverse food hall and a vast selection of Asian groceries. Located at Pavilions Place, the 70,000-square-foot store marks a new chapter for the popular Korean grocery chain, emphasizing community and culinary diversity. Shoppers enjoyed special deals on opening day with highlights such as live seafood and traditional Korean dishes. The strategic location aims to serve a growing demand for international grocery options in the area, while H Mart continues to foster cultural exchange.
Westminster, CA Welcomes Largest H Mart in California
H Mart, a prominent Korean grocery store chain, inaugurated its largest California location in Westminster on August 7, 2023. The new store, spanning approximately 70,000 square feet, is situated at the Pavilions Place shopping center, specifically at 16450 Beach Blvd. This development marks a significant milestone for the brand, which has expanded rapidly across the United States.
Store Features and Attractions
The newly opened H Mart not only serves as a full-service grocery store but also includes an impressive 11-restaurant food hall offering a diverse array of Asian cuisines. The food hall features popular options such as Goobne, known for Korean oven-roasted chicken, and Myungrang, offering Korean corn dogs. Other highlights include Yoo’s Place for traditional Korean dishes, Moobongri for soondae, KZ Mori specializing in Japanese katsu, and various other eateries providing delightful options like specialty egg toast from Eggcellent and bubble tea from Gong Cha.
On opening day, throngs of customers eagerly lined the aisles, taking advantage of special deals on items including hotpots, fresh kimchi, and exotic fruits like durian and jackfruit. The expansive layout features a broad selection of groceries, including housewares, pantry items, meat, fish (some live), dairy, and produce. One of the major attractions on opening day was a giant tuna presented in the seafood department, quickly turning into a selfie hotspot for visitors.
Strategic Location and Future Plans
The Westminster location is strategically situated, bordered on three sides by Huntington Beach, ensuring accessibility for a large population. H Mart’s president, Brian Kwon, expressed that this new store offers a “rare opportunity” to establish a comprehensive grocery shopping experience for local residents. With burgeoning competition in the grocery sector, the store positions itself uniquely through its combination of traditional grocery shopping and diverse dining options.
In addition to catering to a variety of culinary tastes, H Mart is in discussions with suppliers in Asia to keep prices reasonable amidst new tariffs, demonstrating a commitment to affordability for shoppers. As the grocery landscape in Orange County evolves, other Asian markets, such as Tokyo Market and 99 Ranch Market, are also expanding, highlighting a growing demand for international grocery options.
Background on H Mart
The name H Mart derives from the Korean phrase “han ah reum,” translating to “one armful of groceries,” reflective of the store’s aim to provide a wide selection of products in one location. Over the years, H Mart has built a robust reputation for connecting customers with authentic Asian ingredients and products, while also serving as a community hub for cultural exchange and culinary exploration.
The grand opening festivities commenced at 10 a.m., welcoming hundreds of eager shoppers and setting a vibrant tone for H Mart’s role in the Westminster community. As grocery operators continue to enhance the shopping experience in a competitive market, H Mart’s latest venture could redefine the expectations surrounding grocery shopping in the area and reinforce the popularity of Asian cuisine among a diverse clientele.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
H Mart Opening a Large Supermarket and Food Hall in Westminster
California’s Business Landscape Evolving with New Developments
Trader Joe’s Plans New Store in Costa Mesa
Tustin Home Linked to Corruption Scheme Seized by U.S. Government
Orange County DA Faces Lawsuit and Misconduct Allegations
Consumer Debt in the U.S. Surpasses $1 Trillion
Dave’s Hot Chicken Celebrates $1 Billion Valuation with Major Deal
Walmart to Close Five Stores in California by 2025
California’s Business Landscape: Innovations and Challenges
Trader Joe’s Expands Nationally with 21 New Stores
Additional Resources
- OC Register: H Mart Opens Largest California Store
- OC Register: H Mart Opening Mega Supermarket in Westminster
- Patch: Specialty Food Market Opens in Westminster
- Grocery Dive: H Mart Readies Florida Debut
- Wikipedia: H Mart
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
