April 29-May 5, 2021
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Korean superstore H Mart opens in San Francisco By Jun Nucum SAN FRANCISCO - Despite much difficulties and challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the surge in hate crimes against Asians in big cities in the U.S., the opening of the latest H Mart store in San Francisco was warmly welcomed by local officials, community leaders and residents alike Among the San Francisco County and City leaders and e officials who graced the opening of the 48,200 square-foot Alemany Boulevard Ocean View Shopping Center store were Mayor London Breed, District 7 County Supervisor Myrna Melgar and District 11 Supervisor Ahsha Safai who, together with H Mart Companies Chief Operating Officer and President William Choi, also led in the ribbon-cutting ceremonies to mark the start of operation of the super store. In her speech, Mayor Breed hailed the management of H Mart for investing more than $8 million in a community that has been waiting since 2013 to get a new grocery store. “I know that so many people have worked long and hard to get this place here. Finally we have a partner who has delivered for this community. So in behalf of city and county of San Francisco, we would like to present you this certificate to say thank you to H Mart for investing in this community, for being here for the people of San Francisco. It really means a lot to have a grocery store in this community to provide quality produce
and all of the things we deserve to have in our lives in our homes,” Mayor Breed told H Mart officials. District 7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar acknowledged that H Mart pushed through with the efforts in putting up and opening their store “despite suffering so much from the pandemic and from violence against our Asian community.” “We are opening up a place where food and culture and love are available to the residents of San Francisco particularly to the citizens of District 7 and 11. It is also an opportunity to hire locally providing jobs for people who were unemployed during the pandemic because this represents hope of opening back. We will be once again growing our neighborhood and our city,” said Melgar as she also handed a certificate of gratitude to H Mart officials. Also recognizing the importance of the event was Supervisor Ahsha Safai of District 11 who regarded the opening as a momentous occasion as he also expressed his excitement and feeling honored that H Mart in investing in their neighborhood and community. . “This grocery store in the heart of the pandemic in the middle of what we have been experiencing in the past year is phenomenal. We all know what grocery stores’ role for us in the time of strife. To have this happen at this time is historic. Also, with all the discomfort, violence and animosity and racism directed towards the Asian community to have a grocery store like this that
will open people’s eyes and minds to culture that they have not experienced is extremely important. H Mrt is a slice of Korea in San Francisco,” Safai stressed. For his part, President and Chief Operating Officer William Choi shared that the City of San Francisco is very important and has special meaning that is why they H Mart Companies Chief decided to make it their third location in the Bay Area after San Francisco City Mayor Opera�ng Officer and London Breed President Wiliam Choi San Jose and Cupertino. “This is the first store in Mart brings fresh goods and produce to the the City of San Francisco and definitely will local neighborhood in San Francisco. not be the last one especially demographics H Mart’s one-stop-shopping experience show that there is a big Asian community highlights unique food selection and welcomof around 20,000 Asians in the city of San ing experience for the entire family and local Francisco,” Choi said. “We are of Korean foodies. The new store will feature an in-store ancestry-based but our customer base is very food hall offering various cuisines, as well as diverse. Everybody is welcome here. This Paris Baguette, a popular Korean bakery. is not just a piece of Korea but also a taste This store is anticipated to hire a total of of Asia. H Mart caters for everybody. We 150 part-time and full-time employees and has are not specialized for one race or one na- participated in San Francisco’s First Source tion. We are all together. We are all one fam- Hiring Program in partnership with the Office ily. This place will be revitalized. All Asian of Economic and Workforce Development Americans living in San Francisco needed (OEWD). Together with community partners including Inner-City Youth, Young Commuthis kind of upscale Asian supermarket.” Developers, and Self-help for the Elderly H Mart features a variety of fresh pro- nity they hosted three job fairs, interviewed 317 duce groceries, meats, seafood, health and applicants and hired for 91 positions to date. beauty products, frozen foods, and quality OEWD and community organizations will services, supporting and contributing to the continue to work with H Mart to fill open local community. Supplied directly from its positions. Interested jobseekers may apply at California warehouse and local farms, H west.hr@hmart.com or call 562-551-2376.
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