An entirely different kind of supermarket recently took up residence where the old Nob Hill used to be at 1350 Grant Road.
The 99 Ranch supermarket, which renovated the shopping center before opening one month ago, sells mostly Chinese food but includes a selection of products from around the world, including Mexican, American, Filipino and other foods.
The supermarket doubles as both a grocery store and dining facility, featuring a hot foods area with rotisserie duck, chicken, buns, congee, and self-serve dim sum. Customers may pick and choose any three individual dim sum items for $2.20. Also featured are a bakery and deli section, as well as a large produce section and live seafood tanks.
As a predominantly Asian grocery store, 99 Ranch offers items not commonly found in Western supermarkets, such as popular Asian snacks Pocky, lychee, wasabi peas and mochi. Since its opening, the supermarket has extended its parking area by offering new parking spaces behind the store.
The store’s closest competition is the new Nob Hill next door, as well as the Nijiya Japanese market and Smart and Final across the street. There are also two small Asian markets on Castro Street.
A similar store called the Golden Phoenix closed a few years ago at Middlefield Road and Rengstorff Avenue. That site is set to reopen as a Fresh ‘n Easy grocery store in 2009.
The 99 Ranch chain has 21 other stores in California, and more stores in Nevada, Washington state and even Indonesia.
E-mail Kelly Truong at ktruong@mv-voice.com
