Popular Asian grocery chain 99 Ranch Market is closing two of its California stores, resulting in layoffs for 103 employees. The Pleasanton location, which has been operating for 16 years, will close on December 5, while the Chino store is scheduled to shut down on November 15.
Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notices filed with the state indicate that 54 employees will be affected by the Pleasanton closure and 49 by the Chino closure. The parent company, Tawa Supermarket Inc., stated that these closures are part of a strategic effort to streamline operations and reallocate resources more effectively.
"This decision will optimize our store network and allocate resources more effectively to better serve our customers," the company said in a statement. "With other 99 Ranch Market locations in the Tri-Valley and Chino/Chino Hills areas already, we remain committed to providing the community with convenient access to the quality products, diverse Pan-Asian food selections, and service our customers have come to expect."
The closure of the Pleasanton store marks the end of an era for shoppers who relied on the market for specialty produce, imported snacks, pantry staples, and fresh seafood not readily available in mainstream supermarkets. A farewell notice posted at the Pleasanton location expressed gratitude for customer loyalty over the years.
Despite these closures, the broader Asian grocery market in California is experiencing significant growth. Competitors like H Mart have recently opened new locations and announced plans for expansion. Japanese supermarket Tokyo Central also opened a new store in Emeryville in January, and T&T Supermarket launched a San Jose location in June. Osaka Marketplace is also planning a new store and food hall in Pleasant Hill.
