H Mart, the largest Asian supermarket chain in the U.S., is planning to open a new location in Seattle following the launch of its Chino store (3967 Grand Ave) on February 13.
According to the Seattle Times, H Mart applied for a new liquor license on February 21, as confirmed on February 24 by a representative from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
The upcoming location of the nationwide grocery chain, known for its vast selection of Asian products, will be situated off Leary Way in Ballard at 951 N.W. Ballard Way, Seattle (formerly a New Seasons Market).
Since quietly opening in the U District in 2017, H Mart has expanded rapidly in and around Seattle, with locations including downtown, Broadway on Capitol Hill (under the name M2M Mart), South Lake Union (as District H), Lynnwood, Bellevue, and more.
The chain was founded by Il Yeon Kwon, a South Korean immigrant who opened the first store in Queens, New York, in 1982. Over the past 40-plus years, H Mart has grown significantly, with the company now operating more than 97 stores nationwide.
BY MOOYOUNG LEE [lee.mooyoung@koreadaily.com]
