T&T Supermarket, a leading Canadian Asian grocery chain, has officially entered the California market with the opening of its first store in San Jose on Thursday. The company also confirmed plans for a significantly larger location at Newark's NewPark Mall, signaling an aggressive expansion strategy in the Bay Area.
San Jose Launch and Newark Expansion
The 55,000-square-foot San Jose store, located at Westgate Center, drew hundreds of shoppers on its opening day. CEO Tina Lee described the launch as a long-anticipated milestone, emphasizing the company's goal to serve Asian families and attract new customers interested in Asian cuisine. Just days later, the company unveiled plans for a 72,600-square-foot store at NewPark Mall in Newark, set to open in late 2027. This location will occupy the former Macy's space, which closed as part of Macy's plan to shutter 66 underperforming stores by early 2025.
Market Context and Competition
The Bay Area's Asian grocery market is highly competitive, with established players like H Mart, Mitsuwa, and Tokyo Central. H Mart's Dublin and Tokyo Central's Emeryville openings each drew thousands of shoppers, reflecting strong demand. According to census data, the region's Asian population grew 30% between 2010 and 2020, providing a solid demographic tailwind for T&T.
Store Features and Product Offerings
The San Jose store offers a wide range of products, including groceries, ready-to-eat meals, a bakery, Asian beauty products, and private-label items such as pork soup dumplings and green onion pancakes. The Newark location is expected to follow a similar format, blurring the line between a traditional supermarket and a food hall.
Regulatory and Operational Challenges
CEO Tina Lee acknowledged that California is "the most difficult state to operate in," citing permitting, construction, and licensing hurdles. The company has already applied for alcohol permits at the Newark site, including a Type 21 license for off-site sales and a Type 86 license for instructional tastings. Building permits were filed in December 2025.
Community and Economic Impact
Newark Mayor Michael K. Hannon welcomed the investment, noting it would create jobs and provide new shopping options. The city has been actively seeking to revitalize NewPark Mall, which has seen a "substantial increase in store vacancies." T&T's entry is seen as a key step in restoring the mall's status as a regional destination.
Future Expansion Plans
Beyond San Jose and Newark, T&T has announced plans for a San Francisco store at City Center on Geary Boulevard, expected in winter 2026, and a 52,000-square-foot location in Millbrae at Friendship Plaza, also targeting winter 2026. The company's aggressive push into the Bay Area underscores its confidence in the region's growing demand for Asian grocery options.
