News Summary
Orlando welcomed its first H Mart, a large Asian grocery store, on September 25, captivating hundreds of eager customers. The 100,000-square-foot market offers a wide variety of groceries, fresh produce, and has a vibrant food court, enhancing the shopping experience. H Mart’s presence is poised to boost local jobs and stir competition among grocery retailers in the area.
Orlando witnessed a bustling scene on September 25, 2025, as hundreds of eager customers lined up for the grand opening of Florida’s first H Mart, located at 7501 W. Colonial Drive. This highly anticipated location is one of H Mart’s largest stores in the country, encompassing over 100,000 square feet of grocery and marketplace space.
Among the first to grace the store’s entrance was Suzi Kroll from Deltona, who arrived before sunrise to secure her spot in line. The excitement surrounding the opening reflected H Mart’s reputation as America’s premier destination for Asian food, offering a wide array of groceries, daily essentials, and upscale products.
The store is designed to cater to a diverse clientele, featuring extensive selections of fresh produce, high-quality seafood, and an inviting food court reminiscent of those typically found in major shopping malls. This sets the stage for a comprehensive shopping experience, as local resident Isabel Cho noted that H Mart provides distinct sections for shopping beyond just regular groceries.
The establishment of H Mart in Central Florida was a long-awaited venture. H Mart had been working for years to open a location in the region and ultimately took over a site that was previously home to a Super Target, which closed its doors in 2012. The presence of this store is expected to bring significant benefits to the community, as noted by Orange County District 6 Commissioner Michael Scott, who highlighted the potential for job creation and economic opportunities.
H Mart has been operational for over 30 years, with its inception dating back to 1982 when it was founded by Il Yeon Kwon, an immigrant from South Korea, in Queens, New York. The name “H Mart” is derived from the Korean phrase “han ah reum,” meaning “an armful.” The chain has grown rapidly and now boasts nearly 100 locations across the United States as of September 2025. Recently, H Mart was recognized by USA TODAY’s 10Best as the seventh-best international food market.
The newly opened Orlando store operates year-round, welcoming customers every day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. While it stands as the first of its kind in Florida, H Mart faces local competition from other Asian grocery stores, including Mei’s Supermarket, iFresh Supermarket, Lotte Market, Enson Market, and New Golden Sparkling Market.
One of the highlights of the H Mart experience is its food hall, which offers various culinary options. Patrons can indulge in dishes like Korean cold noodles, Korean street food, tonkatsu, Korean barbecue, and Korean corn dogs. The in-house dining area features popular vendors like U Chun, Jaws Tapokki, Chidon, Myung Ga, Paik’s Noodle, Oh K-Dog & Egg Toast, Coffee & Co, Dabang, Kung Fu Tea, and Paris Baguette, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere.
In addition to food offerings, customers will find a wide range of products, including kitchenware and skincare items, alongside K-beauty brand Aritaum. Shoppers can also explore quirky lifestyle products at Artbox, a hair spa, a photo studio, and even claw machine games for entertainment, enhancing the overall experience of the store.
The grand opening festivities included special giveaways and exclusive promotions for early visitors, further adding to the excitement surrounding the launch of Florida’s first H Mart. As customers explore the extensive offerings at this location, it is clear that H Mart aims not just to provide provisions, but to create a vibrant cultural and culinary hub within the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
A Toast to Orlando: Benefit Dinner with Renowned Chefs
H Mart Supermarket Opens in Orlando
Orlando’s Fall Sports and Events Schedule
Fall Festivals and Pumpkin Picking in Orlando
Orlando Celebrates National Coffee Day with Sweet Deals
Yurbban Hospitality Group Expands to Miami with New Hotel
Gallatin Schools Honor Charlie Kirk Amid Community Controversy
Facing the 403 Forbidden Error on PayPal? Let’s Find a Solution!
Healthy Eating Near Me: Where Orlando Locals Go for Nutritious Meals
College Park Hosts Farmers Market Find Event
Additional Resources
- WESH: H Mart Opens in Orlando
- Wikipedia: H Mart
- Click Orlando: H Mart Opening
- Google Search: H Mart
- Orlando Weekly: H Mart Now Open
- Encyclopedia Britannica: H Mart
- WFTV: H Mart Grand Opening
- Google News: H Mart Orlando
- Herald Tribune: H Mart in Florida
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
