The story of 99 Ranch Market

[Randy W]

from the SCMP

 

The story of 99 Ranch Market, largest Asian supermarket chain in US

• Since its first store opened in 1984 in Westminster, California, 99 Ranch Market has become ubiquitous in America’s largest Asian communities
• Founder Roger Chen, then a recent arrival from Taiwan, wanted the familiar sounds, smells and food from home in an American grocery environment

 

 

The story of 99 Ranch Market begins in 1984, in Westminster, California, outside Los Angeles. . . . (Originally it was called 99 Price Market, a name which later changed to what is known today.)

 

. . .

 

While customers may only see a market, behind the scenes is a network of farms, factories and production facilities stretching from China to the United States, all company-owned. With strict oversight, the management is able to ensure that even its production facilities in Asia adhere to the US Federal Drug Administration’s labyrinthine regulations.

 

 

 

[dnoblett]

One just opened a few blocks from our apartment in Frisco, the grand opening was highly anticipated and the place was packed.

[gzbabi]

We live less then a mile away from the one in Plano. Good selection

[amberjack1234]

One just opened a few blocks from our apartment in Frisco, the grand opening was highly anticipated and the place was packed.

Dan I didn't know you lived in Frisco.

[Allon]

The one here in Phoenix closed down. Really sad since it was an anchor to the Chinese Cultural Center, a really cool place with a Chinese bank and other restaurants and shops. Beautiful garden to walk.

 

I don't know how they managed to get the biggest green onions at such a fair price. Compared to local super markets, Ranch Market was the place to go for produce. And yes, it smelled of China.

 

I guess Lee Lee markets and other smaller Asian stores sprouted up and took much Ranch's business.

[amberjack1234]

Atlanta, Ga has one but for the life of me I can not get the wife to go.

[eseum]

There is one in the Chinatown Plaza here in Las Vegas. We used to shop there quite a bit. Now, however, there are a couple of other asian markets that have better prices. We also shop at a place called La Bonita Mexican Supermarket. It is really hard to beat their prices on vegetables and fruit.

[Allon]

Also the only place to get fresh fish -- and you cannot beat the selection of tea and coffee from all over the world. Now if the guys who stock the shelves just knew how to sort things correctly.

[amberjack1234]

I don't know if it is the guys that stock the shelves or the customers. I know after my wife leaves a store it had been thoroughly rearranged. After 18 years I have given up on this one. I just stand back as folks look on and shake my head.