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Hmart supermarket launches Korean food hall in Texas

Up to 10 venues planned, including two from Korean chef Deuki Hong

Tara Fitzpatrick, Senior Editor

February 22, 2018

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Hmart

Hmart, the largest Asian supermarket chain in America, started as a corner store in Queens and now has more than 60 locations nationwide with another 15 expected to open this year. At a new location in Austin, Texas, Hmart is adding a new feature that will be grown nationwide: a Korean food hall. 

Open on Feb. 15, the food hall concept, dubbed Market Eatery, will be featured in about half of the new stores going forward. But this first launch in the 68,670-square-foot store in Austin felt like the perfect starting point to Stacey Kwon, Hmart’s president and daughter of Hmart founder and CEO Il Yeon Kwon. 

“Austin’s unique vibrancy” and “the city’s ever-changing culinary landscape” were the big draws, Kwon said. “We are constantly trying to provide top quality food and service to our guests and to promote our rich and robust culture.” 

Hmart is known for its wide selection of Asian products. The name is short for Han Ah Reum in Korean, meaning “one arm full of groceries.” 

Likewise the food hall features a lineup of Korean vendors showcasing everything from cosmetics to shaved ice. The hall will include seven to 10 dining experiences, including two from Korean chef Deuki Hong.

Here’s a look at Hmart’s Market Eatery.

About the Author

Tara Fitzpatrick

Senior Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group

Tara Fitzpatrick is Food Management’s senior editor and a contributor to Restaurant Hospitality and Nation’s Restaurant News, creating editorial content for digital, print and events. Tara holds a bachelor of science degree from the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Kent State University. Before joining Food Management in 2008, Tara was associate editor at National Association of College Stores in Oberlin, Ohio. Prior to that, Tara worked as a newspaper reporter in her hometown of Lorain, Ohio, where she lives now. Tara is a fan of food history, legends, lore, ghost stories, urban farming and old cookbooks. 

Tara Fitzpatrick’s areas of expertise include the onsite foodservice industry (K-12 schools, colleges and universities, healthcare and B&I), menu trends, sustainability in foodservice, senior dining, farm-to-table and innovation.

Tara Fitzpatrick is a frequent webinar and podcast host and has served on the board of directors for IFEC (International Food Editors Consortium).

Tara Fitzpatrick’s experience:

Senior Editor, Food Management (Feb 2008-present)

Associate Editor, National Association of College Stores (2005-2008)

Reporter, The Morning Journal (2002-2005)

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