Fremont to Host Largest U.S. Asian Supermarket
A popular Asian supermarket chain is opening its largest U.S. location in Fremont, California. The new store will feature an extensive selection of groceries and products, reinforcing the city's role as a major hub for Asian commerce and culture in the Bay Area.
The new 99 Ranch Market in Fremont is set to occupy a 50,000-square-foot space at the intersection of Mission and Warm Springs boulevards, making it the largest and most modern Asian supermarket in the Bay Area. A key feature will be an extensive indoor food court, one of the largest of its kind, featuring a variety of popular Asian eateries. The choice of Fremont is strategic, targeting a significant demographic. In 2023, Fremont's population was over 62% Asian (non-Hispanic), with 143,000 residents identifying as such, making it the city's largest ethnic group by a significant margin. This reflects a broader trend in the Bay Area, which saw its Asian population grow from one in four residents in 2010 to one in three by 2020. This opening is part of a larger boom in the Bay Area's Asian grocery market, where large, corporate-backed Asian supermarkets are increasingly filling spaces once occupied by big-box retailers. This growth is fueled by an affluent consumer base, including many in the high-tech industry, who are demanding higher-end and more diverse grocery options. 99 Ranch Market, owned by Tawa Supermarket Inc., is the largest Asian supermarket chain in the U.S. It was founded in 1984 by Taiwanese immigrant Roger Chen, who identified a need for an Asian supermarket that mirrored the American grocery store experience. The chain now operates over 58 stores across more than 10 states. Beyond groceries, these large supermarkets often serve as economic anchors for their communities. They generate significant foot traffic, which can attract complementary businesses like banks, restaurants, and other retail stores, revitalizing shopping centers and local business districts. The company has been evolving its business model to meet modern consumer habits. In addition to physical expansion, 99 Ranch Market launched online shopping in 2014 and a mobile app for grocery delivery in 2021. Newer stores, like the one in Fremont, often incorporate "Eat Up" food courts to introduce a wider audience to diverse Asian cuisines.
