Louisville ties and diversity inspire Saraga International Grocery’s first Kentucky location
LOUISVILLE, Ky. —
Saraga International Grocery, a family-owned chain specializing in foods from around the world, will open its first Kentucky location Thursday in Louisville.
Workers were putting the finishing touches on the 34,000-square-foot store ahead of its opening in the former Lucky’s Market on Hurstbourne Parkway in Lyndon.
Manager Jun Sung said the store will carry products from all over the world. That includes products from Japan, Korea, Africa, Central America and Latin America, along with local foods.
“We knew beforehand that Louisville was a very diverse city,” Sung said. “I feel like we’re just further contributing to that by coming here.”
Sung’s father and uncle started the business in Indiana in the 1990s. It has since grown to include several locations in Indiana and Ohio.
The family also has longstanding ties to Louisville. Before entering the grocery business, Sung’s father bought and sold wholesale goods on Seventh Street.
“Even before the grocery, he’s had roots in Louisville and always wanted to come back and do business here,” Sung said.
Sung said the store’s goal is to provide familiar products for customers who have moved to Louisville from other countries.
“We’d like to carry everything that reminds people of home if they’re from out of the country,” Sung said.
The store also hopes to encourage shoppers to explore products and cuisines they have not experienced before.
“We just really want people to be able to explore and come here and find stuff they haven’t tried before,” Sung said.
Customers may also rediscover foods they previously tried but could not identify or find again, he added.
“I just feel like it’s a good opportunity for the community to come out,” Sung said.
Saraga International Grocery will hold a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Thursday. The store will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Dining and Cooking