Lotte Plaza Market Grand Opening: A Game-Changer in New Tampa
New Tampa has been buzzing with excitement as the Lotte Plaza Market, a 49,000-square-foot Korean-owned superstore, made its grand debut in the area. This opening marked a significant milestone, drawing hundreds of eager customers who had been eagerly awaiting this moment. The store boasts an extensive array of products, from rice cookers and imported dried foods to a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood. The only item that ran out during the grand opening was shopping carts, as customers flooded in to explore this unique shopping experience.
For the residents of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, the Lotte Plaza Market is a game-changer. It’s the first Asian market of its kind in the area, offering a rich assortment of Asian products that were previously challenging to find nearby. Lisa Mui Lynfatt, a Tampa Palms resident, expressed her enthusiasm for the store, with her youngest son already predicting frequent visits. She stated, “Mom, we are going to be going here a lot … like every week.”
The store’s appeal extends beyond its product offerings. Lotte Plaza Market features five food court-style eateries, a Tous Les Jours bakery, and even a Korean beauty shop, creating a unique shopping and dining experience that goes beyond traditional grocery shopping.
The grand opening was a spectacle in itself, with customers eagerly capturing the moment on their phones, high-fiving, and sharing their excitement with friends and family. Alvin Lee, the president of Lotte Plaza Market, cut the ribbon to officially open the doors, setting off a rush of enthusiastic shoppers.
For the Asian community in the area, the Lotte Plaza Market is a godsend. Lisha Dong, president of the Chinese-American Association of Tampa Bay and a New Tampa resident, emphasized the importance of having an Asian market nearby. She stated, “This area has a large Asian population, so something like this is huge. We usually have to drive far for this kind of food. I’m so glad it’s here.”
The store’s unique selling point lies in the quality and freshness of its products. Lee mentioned that their selection of marinated meats and fish, like silver pomfret and red perch, is unmatched. While most of their customers are Asian, they also cater to non-Asian customers seeking fresh and exotic options to enhance their home menus.
The Lotte Plaza Market’s opening in New Tampa is a testament to the community’s diverse culinary needs and a reflection of the city’s vibrant cultural fabric. It’s not just a grocery store; it’s an experience that has brought joy and convenience to the residents of the area.