Asian market opens in Southeast Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Valley residents now have a new place to grocery shop in Fresno.

Firecrackers were a part of the opening festivities at Shun Fat Supermarket in Southeast Fresno. Friday morning, hundreds of people lined up outside to be amongst the first inside.

"We came out here at 6:30 a.m. to wait in line to see the store," customer Vang Moua said.

The chain has stores in northern and southern California, but this is their first Valley location.

"I think Fresno is a forgotten city," general manager Huy Trieu said. "It's the fifth largest city in California and the Asian population is pretty high so it's a very good location for us to open."

The store is just the latest Asian specialty market catering to shoppers. In march, the Island Pacific Supermarket in Northeast Fresno opened its doors with an indoor restaurant. And RN Market has several locations across the Valley with products and fresh fish.

Newcomer Shun Fat actually took over the former Food Maxx and has filled almost every corner of the 56,000-square-foot space.

The store sells a variety of fresh and international produce including this grapefruit from southeast Asia, squash and a unique fruit called a jackfruit. The other unique features include a deli and large fish counter with live seafood as well.

Local leaders say the new store is positive for Southeast Fresno.

"One of the most important things is the jobs," Fresno City Council member Sal Quintero said. "Right off the bat they're hiring 100 new employees and this in the area."

Quintero believes the store could serve as a destination for shoppers across the Central Valley and provide a bigger economic impact.

"It's a huge shot in the arm given the Asian community we have here," he said.