Asian Food Market - 2003

Yip Tse, owner of Asian Food Market in Twin Falls, is an Asian American who has lived in the U.S. for 23 years and is pursuing the “American Dream.” His store specializes in Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Vietnamese and Laotian products, including Hello Kitty brand gifts, soft carpet blankets, rugs and a full line of packaged and fresh Asian foods.

Tse has been in the food business for more than 15 years and has been working alongside his parents who are very successful restaurant owners in Twin Falls. He worked as a cook, waiter and inventory control manager for their restaurants.

He then formulated a plan — with the assistance of Bryan Matsuoka, director of the Region 4 Small Business Development Center (SBDC) — to open a full line Asian market to service the Asian community in south-central Idaho. He received financing for his venture from Magic Valley Bank, allowing him to create two full-time positions. He opened the market in April 2002.

His wife, Sokry Heng, has much experience as a grocer and assists in the actual day-to-day operation of the business. Asian Food Market appeals to a very diversified market ranging from the Far East to Indo-European, with the goal of introducing new cultures and foods to the Magic Valley.

Asian Food Market now offers food products for six different cultures and has expanded inventory to deal with restaurant needs. Tse also recently added an Asian gift shop next door, which has a variety of Asian products coming from China, Japan and Korea.

The SBDC has provided ongoing business assistance in the form of consulting and preparing financials. Tse hopes to expand Asian Food Market within the next five years into a new building that will be suitable to carry more products. “We attribute our success to the help we’ve received and, more than anything, to our faithful customers who visit us regularly and invite their friends and family to our store,” Tse says.



Idaho SBDC Success Stories