H Mart opens first East Bay location to eager crowds after years of wait

DUBLIN, Calif. (KGO) -- Long lines formed before sunrise Thursday as shoppers gathered for the opening of a new H Mart in the East Bay, marking the arrival of the popular Asian grocery chain in Dublin.

The store officially opened at 10 a.m. Thursday, less than an hour before city officials and customers spoke about its significance, both for shoppers eager to access specialized products and for the community's economy.

One woman, the first person in line, arrived well before opening.

"A little before seven," she said when asked how early she got there.

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She was soon joined by dozens of others; many of whom said they had been waiting years for the store to open.

Shoppers cited the wide variety of grocery items and food court offerings that are difficult to find elsewhere.

"I live in Dublin, and like, they've been talking about this store for like, seven years. It's been a long time. So, it's nice to have a Korean market that's, closer than, like, 20 miles," said Albert Lee, a Dublin resident.

City officials said the store has been several years in the making and described it as a major addition to the area.

"I think that the question I've been asked the most frequently for the last year is when is H Mart opening. It's a huge boon for our local economy. It's a regional draw," said Jean Josey, vice mayor of the City of Dublin.

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Local leaders also emphasized the jobs created by the new store.

"They offer jobs, and they just make our community a job-rich place. We are so grateful that H Mart is willing to choose us and invest in our community," said Sherry Hu, mayor of the City of Dublin.

H Mart leadership said demand in the Bay Area has been especially strong and expressed enthusiasm for the Dublin opening.

"Our most common customer request is, please build one near my home, and I think we've done that here in Dublin," said Vince Colatriano, executive vice president of H Mart.

When asked about additional Bay Area expansion plans, company leadership said no announcements could be made yet but hinted that more developments may be coming in the future.