After a series of construction delays, the Hornbill Asian Market in Cedar Rapids is expected to open its doors this Saturday, Dec. 20, offering a variety of Asian grocery options – and, at least in part, addressing the “food desert” created by the closing of the First Avenue Hy-Vee in June 2024..
Hornbill Asian Market owner Mang Pau said the new 11,000-square-foot store, at 1445 First Ave. SE, has been under construction since October 2024.
The new store will be the fifth Hornbill Asian Market owned by Mr. Pau, joining stores in Waterloo and Dubuque, Iowa, as well as in Enid, Oklahoma and St. Joseph, Missouri.
At 11,000 square feet, it will be the second-largest Hornbill Asian Market, trailing only the Waterloo location.
Mr. Pau said the market will offer a variety of Asian food items, as well as produce and meats. He also said the store will have an extensive selection of frozen seafood, and will have some other ethnic food offerings, including Mexican, Islander and African.
Having multiple locations, Mr. Pau said, provides the opportunity to offer food options that other ethnic food stores in the area may not be able to provide.
Mr. Pau also noted that Hornbill will be offering $15% off all purchases Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21, and 10% off from Dec. 22 through Dec. 31.
“We’re very proud to be serving Cedar Rapids,” he said, “and we look forward to welcoming everyone.”
The market will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, contact the Hornbill Asian Market at (319) 249-1111 or visit the store’s Facebook page.
