Big News for South Hill: Asian Market & Food Hall Coming to Puyallup

Exciting things are happening in South Hill! A long-vacant retail space near South Hill Mall is getting a brand-new life—and it’s bringing a whole new dining and shopping experience to the Puyallup community.

The former Toys “R” Us building near South Hill Mall is being transformed into the South Hill Asian Center, a combination international grocery market and food hall expected to open later this year.

For residents of Puyallup and surrounding communities, this development adds something many locals have been asking for: more diverse food options and specialty grocery shopping closer to home.

From Empty Big-Box Store to Community Food Destination

The Toys “R” Us location at 3551 Ninth St. SW has been sitting vacant since 2017. Developers are now converting the roughly 31,000-square-foot building into a vibrant market and dining destination designed to bring people together around food and culture.

The project will feature:

• A large international grocery store
  
  
• A food court with multiple restaurant vendors
  
  
• Shared seating areas for dining
  
  
• A modern redesign of the former big-box retail space
  
  

The goal is to create a community hub where visitors can shop for ingredients, grab a meal, and explore different cuisines in one place.

What You’ll Find Inside

The grocery portion of the center will carry a wide variety of international foods. While the focus is Asian ingredients, shoppers can expect to find a mix of products similar to what you’d see in a traditional supermarket, along with specialty items from around the world.

The food hall is expected to include eight vendor stalls, with several already confirmed:

• Mr. Dim Sum – dumplings and buns
  
  
• Pho J – Vietnamese soups
  
  
• Natalie’s Sugarcane & Dessert – drinks and sweets
  
  
• Asia Xpress – build-your-own Asian bowls
  
  
• Korean cuisine vendor (name still to be announced)
  
  

Developers are still looking for additional vendors and hope to include ramen, tacos, and burger concepts to round out the dining options.

When Will It Open?

Construction is currently underway, and the team hopes to:

• Complete construction in September
  
  
• Open to the public around October 2026
  
  

Once open, the South Hill Asian Center will become the fourth regional location for the Hong Kong Market grocery brand, which already operates stores in Kent, Federal Way, and Burien.

Why This Is Great for the Community

Projects like this do more than fill empty retail spaces—they help shape the local lifestyle.

For South Hill and Puyallup residents, this development means:

✔ More international grocery options
✔ New casual dining spots and food experiences
✔ Revitalization of a long-empty retail space
✔ A new place for families and friends to gather

South Hill Mall has been a major shopping destination in Puyallup since opening in 1988 and continues to evolve as new retailers and concepts move in.

What It Means for the Local Lifestyle

One of the things many people love about living in Puyallup and the surrounding Pierce County communities is the balance between small-town charm and growing amenities.

New developments like the South Hill Asian Center reflect the area’s growth and increasing diversity. Whether you're looking for authentic ingredients for a homemade meal or simply want to try a new cuisine with friends, this project is set to bring a fresh energy to the South Hill area.

✅ Local Tip:
Once this opens, it could become one of the most unique casual dining spots in South Pierce County—perfect for grabbing lunch, exploring new foods, or meeting friends after shopping.

If you live in the area, this is definitely a project worth watching. And if you're considering moving to Puyallup or South Hill, developments like this are just another example of how the community continues to grow and evolve.

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