It comes to my attention that not many CORE students know about the nearby Asian store on 2550 South Whitman Place where Core students (exclusively) can get a 10% discount. This hidden gem is open from 9am-6pm everyday and full of snacks and anime themed drinks/candy from around Asia, The US, and Mexico.
Although there are so many different things to try, this isn’t a convenience store. Many people in Chico, including myself, go to this store for necessities or staples for our household. This includes everything from frozen meats to produce to packed goods you just can’t get from Winco or Costco. Tou Lor, the owner of the store shared he and his parent’s story. From Thailand to Fresno in 1987 and later down the road, Chico; He shared that his parents were actually the ones who started the store about 11-12 years ago. It wasn’t until his dad passed on that he took up ownership to help his mom. Tou further explained that the store was originally started for the community because most asian stores are in Sac and it’s very inconvenient to drive an hour and a half just to get some bitter melon. Nowadays the store has evolved into a place for everyone, featuring new and trending Japanese/Korean goods.
Some of the most popular items are Buldak ramen, tteokbokki, kimchi, lap cheong, as well as Hmong, Thai, and Lao sausage. *My personal favorite would be the Her jerky, beef jerky made fresh in Oroville by the Her family. But Tou suggests trying the Ugly cake.
A word from Tou to the students;
“I hope everyone wants to go try some new stuff in their lives.”
*I do have a few here for them to try.*
“Once you get over the fear of trying new things you learn to love it”