Tokyo Central will open its second location in Northern California next year- this time the Japanese grocery chain which has numerous outlets in Southern California will open in Emeryville’s Bay Street Mall across the bay from San Francisco.
According to a press release from CenterCal Properties, owners of the Bay Street property, the grocery store will occupy a 40,000 square foot space which will include rooftop parking and a 1,500-square-foot in-house restaurant.
Tokyo Central, owned by Pan Pacific Retail Management (PPRM), plans to open its store and its unnamed restaurant next year, offering “the largest selection of Japanese goods” in the area, such as cosmetics, anime merchandise, and snacks.
In an interview with The Business Journal, Emeryville Mayor Courtney Welch said it will bring many opportunities to the mall.
“This is an exciting addition to our city that also reflects the diversity and vibrancy of our community,” Mayor Welch said. “It will not only provide residents with access to a wide range of high-quality groceries and products, but it will also serve as an anchor location that strengthens the economic fabric of our city.”
Founded by the Marukai Corporation in 1965, Tokyo Central was one of the first international grocers to open in the U.S. The brand is said to have a significant presence in Southern California, with 11 stores across the Los Angeles area and in San Diego, according to San Francisco Gate. Its only other locations are in Cupertino, CA and Kailua, HI.
Along with Tokyo Central, PPRM owns and operates supermarkets in America, such as Don Quijote and Gelson’s.
“Tokyo Central is the ultimate one-stop destination for Japanese specialty food and lifestyle items,” said Kazuhiro Matsumoto, president of PPRM USA. “We are thrilled to bring Japan’s quality and value to a location as diverse as Bay Street Emeryville.”
Also, this fall, a China-based lifestyle and housewares store called Miniso, along with a dessert shop entitled JARS by Fabio Viviani, will be open on Bay Street Emeryville. Miniso will feature trendy home goods and accessories at pocket-friendly prices, while JARS by Fabio Viviani will present a slew of gourmet desserts.
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