EMERYVILLE — A high-profile Japanese supermarket is slated to become a key addition to an East Bay shopping center that has been undergoing a major redevelopment and upgrade.
Tokyo Central, a Japan-based grocery chain, will occupy a large building within Bay Street Emeryville, a big shopping, restaurant and entertainment center in Emeryville.
Elevated view of Tokyo Central, a Japanese specialty supermarket, located within the Bay Street Emeryville shopping center in Emeryville, concept. (CenterCal Properties)
The supermarket is slated to offer an array of premium imported Japanese goods such as groceries, made-to-order and ready-to-go food trays, health products and other specialty items, according to CenterCal Properties, principal owner and developer of the East Bay commercial hub.
“Tokyo Central is the ultimate one-stop destination for Japanese specialty food and lifestyle items,” said Kazuhiro Matsumoto, president of Pan Pacific Retail Management USA. “We are thrilled to bring Japan’s quality and value to a location as diverse as Bay Street Emeryville.” Pan Pacific owns Tokyo Central.
The new store is expected to total 40,600 square feet, according to CenterCal. It’s due to open in 2025.
“Bay Street’s freshly redesigned space offers residents and visitors a unique cultural shopping experience,” said Bay Street Emeryville vice president of development Scott Bohrer.
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Tokyo Central’s only other Bay Area store is located in Cupertino, making the Emeryville site the grocer’s first one in the East Bay.
“The addition of Tokyo Central completes our team’s vision of bringing an important daily needs amenity to the surrounding community,” Bohrer said.
CenterCal Properties took over the ownership of Bay Street Emeryville in 2021.
Since then, the real estate firm has launched a wide-ranging redevelopment to re-position the commercial hub to remain viable despite massive shifts in consumer shopping habits ushered in by the rise of online retail.
Bay Street Emeryville has added 10 new restaurants and dining establishments such as Fogo De Chao, Flores Cocina & Bar, Mumu Hot Pot and Pippal Regional Indian.
The retail and dining hub has added unique entertainment venues such as Tipsy Putt and Sandbox VR. The center also has an AMC movie theater.
“Our team has worked to curate an enriching experience with our customers and the surrounding community in mind,” Bohrer said. “We are excited to introduce the new Bay Street Emeryville to the entire region.”
