East Bay shopping center adds big Japanese grocery store as new anchor

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.

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.