By Lauri Lee
Northside Economic Development Coalition

The Nov. 8 ribbon cutting at Madison Oriental Market in the NorthGate Shopping Center commemorated the grand reopening of the store following a $477,000 expansion project that started last spring. Family, friends and community leaders came out for the ribbon cutting and hundreds attended the reception that followed. Speakers included George Reistad, Director of Madison’s Food Policy Council and representatives from Focus on Energy and Madison Gas & Electric. 

“This expansion means the entire Northside now has access to more culturally diverse foods,” said Abha Thakkar, Executive Director of the Northside Planning Council. She cut the ribbon with a special Hmong knife. Hmong spiritual leaders performed a blessing over the store and owners Kyle and Choua Lee. 

The reception allowed guests to get a personal look at the new hot and cold deli, café tables and chairs, equipment and shelving upgrades and building and lighting improvements. 

The renovation fulfilled a family dream for Kyle and Choua Lee and their daughter Cynthia, a Hmong family who emigrated from Laos with their families around 40 years ago. When they purchased the small Hmong grocery store a few years ago, their vision was to expand so they could offer specialty groceries for Asian, African, Hispanic, Hmong, Thai, Cambodian, Indian, Jamaican and Philippine cuisine.

Madison Oriental Market is located at 1197 N. Sherman Ave. in the NorthGate Shopping Center. The store is open 9 am-7 pm, Monday–Saturday and Sunday from 10 am–6 pm.  They can be contacted at 240-0846 or @madisonoriental on Facebook.