Oriental Market made a name for itself providing hard-to-find international food for East Lansing residents. The store recently rebranded as Fresh International Market in an effort to expand its selection and welcome a whole new customer base.
Recently, the store went through extensive renovations. Besides a cosmetic upgrade, Fresh International Market also added a food court, 7 A.M. Bakery and a juice bar. It also expanded its seafood, meat and produce department.
“We are offering Chinese street food such as BBQ lamb sticks, steam bum. The shapu shapu will also be available after the pandemic,” said owner Bowen Kou. “Our Cantonese BBQ, duck and chicken are authentic and we make them daily.”
Fresh International Market also partnered with the local sushi restaurant, Sansu, to sell to-go sushi rolls.
Rebranding was a practical move on Kou’s part. He owns other Fresh International Market locations in Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. Changing the name from Oriental Mart to Fresh International Market is part of his effort to establish his brand across the Midwest.
The name change is also an indicator that the store is going in a new direction. Kou said that he plans to carry food from all around the world and focus less on Asian food.
To new customers, he has a bit of advice.
“You may see some vegetables, fruits, snacks and drinks you never saw before. Don’t hesitate to ask our staff questions,” he urged. “A lot of the time, our staff is able to make some recommendations, and you may end up falling in love with our products.
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