Just back from the new 99 Ranch Market. This is a big win for the area! The store is bright and spacious-feeling, and it was 99% stocked today. I was impressed.
The area near the west entrance looked like it lacked fixtures when I peeked in a couple of days ago, but that’s because produce in the middle part of that area is on wood crate-like fixtures (like at Sprouts) that were probably brought in later.
On the east end, where the bakery/café is located, what I could see through the door previously is a still-shuttered something right near the entrance, where shopping carts are located. But set back and hidden behind that area there are maybe five walk-up restaurants, plus a common seating area, somewhat in the manner of Zion (but smaller and with restaurants in one straight line).
One of the five restaurants is Shann Xi Magic Kitchen, but it wasn’t open yet. Very happy to see it there though! There were people going in and out of the kitchen area, so perhaps it’ll be open by the weekend.
Another restaurant is Saigon 5, which only had part of their menu available today (no surprise). I had the bahn mi thit nguoi (pork belly), which was very good but was lacking cilantro. Probably will include that once they’re fully up and running. I appreciated that they had a bowl of sliced fresh jalapenos in the condiments area, and I added some to the sandwich.
As with the other 99 Ranch on CMB, there’s a huge assortment of Asian foods, meats, and seafood.
I never saw the parking area with as many cars as it had today, when it was Albertson’s or Haggen, even on the busiest days of the year. I hope this new store does well!