Supermarket comes to Chinatown?

Rio Ranch Market aims to open in Chinatown.

There might be (finally) a supermarket in Chinatown!

Jay McCormack, CEO of Rio Ranch Market introduced his plan on opening a store in Chinatown during tonight's Chinatown Community Advisory Committee (CCAC) meeting. The potential location is at the Grand Plaza (corner of Cesar Chavez and Grand).

According to Mr. McCormack, Rio Ranch Market opened its first store in 1982 and now has 7 stores in the Inland Empire (Riverside-San Bernadino) area. Currently they've over 500 employees and their motto is Always Fresh, Always For Less. He's looking forward to bring the business into LA. The store is expected to create 150 job opportunities, of which, 120 are full time. He's also looking into the possibility of operation the store for 24 hours. When the store is opened, residents of Chinatown and surrounding area are expected to enjoy fresh produces, international cuisine food stores and bakery with lower price from the store.

Grand Plaza opened in the early 1990s, it is one of the two senior apartment in Chinatown, with over 450 residents. There's a Adult Day Health Care facility onsite and a few shops. If Rio's plan is approved, it will be the first supermarket in Chinatown. Currently there are only convenient stores, liquor stores and mini-market in Chinatown. While Rio will create job for the area, the impact on local mom-and-pop stores is unknown.

CCAC members' concerns including residents' safety, parking, job for local people and cultural/language sensitivity. While there was no major objection at the meeting, the process of getting the store open and run could be complicated. Rio Ranch Market will host community meeting in the near future so community members can voice their concern and input. Stay tune for more!