Hornbill Asian Market opens near Mound View, Wellington Heights neighborhoods in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — A new Asian market may become an oasis in a food desert for the Wellington Heights and Mound View neighborhoods.

Hornbill Asian Market, anticipated since signs first started appearing for it in fall 2024, opened on Dec. 20 at 1445 First Ave. NE.

The small new grocery store is the first to come to the area since Hy-Vee closed its location at 1556 First Ave. NE in June 2024.

The new store, with 11,000 square feet, is the fifth for owner Mang Pau. His other locations include stores in Waterloo, Dubuque, Oklahoma and Missouri.

The store, similar to other Asian markets in the area, offers a variety of Asian food items, fresh produce and meats, including specialties not easily found at mainstream grocery stores. The store also has a wide selection of frozen seafood and other ethnic specialties from Mexico and Africa.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.

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