Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Asia World Market moves out of Richardson to a bigger store in Plano

By Minnie Payne

More than a grocery store, there's a $4.99 buffet with 10 different courses and takeout service.

The city of Plano is fortunate to be home to the new Asia World Market, with its variety of foods from China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, India, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Located at 240 Legacy Dr., off Central Expressway at the new Central Legacy Plaza, the market is easily accessible to all surrounding communities.

The market opened Dec. 1, 2006, but will have its grand opening celebration Jan. 20, featuring festive activities, speeches by Plano Mayor Pat Evans and owner Eric Chen, and refreshments.

“Plano is pleased to welcome this new center of Asian commerce,” said Plano Mayor Pat Evans. “We know that it will bring welcome opportunities for a wide variety of shopping experiences and products for our Plano citizens, as well as people from all surrounding communities. Plano is proud of our diverse population which supports such entrepreneurship and makes our city one which offers a richer and fuller life experience to all citizens.”

Eric Chen, 51, owner of Asia World Market, left Tainan, Taiwan, in 1981 to come to the United States to attend SMU in Dallas, where he received a master’s degree in electrical engineering.

Asia World Market was founded by Chen in 1989, with its first location being in Richardson.

“We simply wanted to expand our business, thus the move to Plano,” said Chen. “Instead of an old fashioned market, this market is definitely an upgrade.”

The market features live seafood, fresh organic vegetables and fruit, certified by the organic organization, as well as regular fresh vegetables and fruit.

The new Central Legacy Plaza will eventually have 10 shops and restaurants.

“We directly deal with lots of mostly California farms,” said Chen. “That’s why we can offer lower prices to the community.”

Also featured is an entire aisle each of teas and spices from various countries.

Patrons can choose from ten different courses, including noodles or steamed rice, at the Chinese buffet for $4.99, which accommodates takeout orders.

Not only does the market strive to serve as a gateway for communities to experience and enjoy native groceries of the far East, says Chen, but to form cross cultural appreciation for Asian goods.

“Our employees believe that good customer service is paramount,” said Chen. “The latest technology provides for a safe and speedy checkout and cleanliness is stressed. Our mission is to educate customers on all aspects of Asian culture and cuisine, and we strive to exceed the standards of fellow American grocers.”

Ten different businesses will exist at the entrance of the mall, which include: Wireless Place Cellular Phone, Asia World Electronics Store, T & L Herbs & Gifts Shop, Shiseido Cosmetic Store, Golden Bank, Crepes for U, Royal Bakery, Tea House and Video Store, with one space still available. The mall consists of 46,872 square feet, including the grocery store, with 91,834 square feet encompassing the entire Central Legacy Plaza.

“Asia World Market is going to be a focal point in Plano for Asians and others,” said Attorney Robert Hsueh.

According to Chen, Asia World Market is centrally located in an assortment of Asian shops and restaurants, and Central Legacy Plaza provides a one-stop-shop effect for added convenience to its patrons.

“When Asian people come to the metroplex to make Dallas their home one of the first questions they ask is whether or not there is a China Town or a central Asian market. Asia World Market is the answer to their question.”

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• Grocery Stores
• Asia / Asian-American