Beloved chain market features food court, bakery
By Keemia Zhang
99 Ranch Market, a beloved Asian grocery store chain, held its grand opening of a new Westwood location on Wednesday. The ribbon was cut in front of a bustling crowd, who lined up eagerly to be the first inside the newly opened store. With business and community leaders in attendance, patrons enjoyed a live DJ and elaborate decorations.
“We wanna thank many partners who have worked tirelessly every single day to prepare the store just for our community,” remarked CEO Alice Chen.“We hope to be a place where you not only come to buy groceries but a place where you come to create memories and can share a meal.” The new store is located at 1360 Westwood Boulevard.
Homesick for his home country of Taiwan, Chen’s father, Roger, founded the supermarket chain in 1984. She currently runs 99 Ranch’s parent company, Tawa Supermarket Inc., alongside her brother, chairman Jonson Chen. After its first store in Buena Park, 60 locations have opened since, supporting Asian communities and Asian grocery aficionados across the country.
“Our mission today, as it has been for the last 39 years, is to be the best Asian grocery store in our communities,” said Chen. 99 Ranch’s 49,000 square foot Westwood location features fresh produce, seafood, snacks, beauty products, a food court, a bakery, a boba shop, a juicery, and the Monkey King Brewery.
In the spirit of the season, 99 Ranch Market will offer a $140 Holiday Combo Package, serving up to 40 people with dishes like Garlic BBQ Pork Ribs, Spicy Beef Shank, and Fried Rice. For those for whom the store is a stone’s throw away, UCLA Bruins will get a 10% discount with a student or faculty ID.
“Each store takes on a character of its own,” declared Chen. “I cannot wait to see how we continue to grow and be your 99 Ranch Market of West LA.”
