Tampa’s international food scene is poised for a significant upgrade as H Mart, the beloved Korean grocery chain with a devoted following across the United States, prepares to open its doors near Raymond James Stadium.
The Korean grocery chain has filed work permits to begin construction at 3908 W. Hillsborough Ave., just north of Raymond James Stadium. This will mark only the second H Mart in Florida, following a long-anticipated Orlando location that has been in development for several years.
H Mart’s arrival signals a major advancement for Tampa’s Asian food landscape. Founded in 1982 in Queens, New York, the retailer has expanded to 97 locations nationwide, earning a reputation for high-quality Asian groceries and impressive food halls that feature authentic Korean cuisine.
The company has established itself as more than just a grocery store – it’s a cultural touchstone for many Korean Americans and food enthusiasts. H Mart gained wider recognition after the publication of Michelle Zauner’s memoir “Crying in H Mart,” which explores her Korean-American identity through the lens of food following her mother’s death.
What sets H Mart apart from conventional grocery stores is its extensive selection of fresh produce, prepared foods, and specialty Asian ingredients that are often difficult to find elsewhere. The company’s name, short for “Han Ah Reum” – which translates roughly to “one arm full of groceries” – reflects its mission to provide a comprehensive shopping experience.
“We enrich lives with our Asian heritage, food and culture,” H Mart President Brian Kwon said in a previous statement about the company’s expansion plans in Florida, as reported by Progressive Grocer.
The Tampa location follows a pattern of H Mart selecting strategic sites across the country. Public records show the company has submitted plans for demolition and renovation at the Hillsborough Avenue site, indicating significant interior work to transform the space into its signature format combining grocery departments with food stalls.
H Mart stores typically feature fresh departments with particular emphasis on produce, seafood and meat, along with a wide variety of banchan (Korean side dishes), kimchi, and imported snacks. Many locations include food halls with restaurants serving dishes like Korean barbecue, bubble tea, and Korean fried chicken – offerings that have helped the chain develop what Creative Loafing Tampa Bay describes as “cult” status among food enthusiasts.
The Las Vegas H Mart opening last week drew crowds of 400 people, demonstrating the excitement that typically surrounds the chain’s expansion into new markets.
While no opening date has been announced for the Tampa location, the submission of work permits suggests the project is moving forward after years of speculation about H Mart’s Florida plans. The company previously purchased property in Orlando in 2021 with intentions to create what could become its largest store format.
For Tampa residents who have previously traveled to other cities to visit H Mart or relied on smaller Asian markets, the arrival represents a significant addition to the area’s international food options. Tampa recently welcomed another Asian grocery chain, Lotte Market, in New Tampa, signaling growing investment in the region’s diverse food retail landscape.