Photo: QueensPost
Nov. 15, 2013 By Christian Murray
A Japanese grocery opened on 44th Street today, across the street from the Sunnyside Post Office.
The store, called Taiyo Foods, is located at 45-08 44th Street and offers Japanese items such as noodles, rice, candy, beer, chips and cosmetics.
Taiyo is being launched by Hiroshi Hatasaki, who owns Ariyoshi Japanese Restaurant on Queens Blvd, and Toshiaki Takahashi, a Woodside resident.
Hatasaki said that the duo opened the store since there are a lot of people in the area—especially Asians in their 20s and 30s—with a keen interest in Japanese culture. “They like Japanese food, singers, music and animation,” he said.
In addition, Hatasaki said, Ariyoshi customers would often ask: “‘When are you going to open a grocery store?’’’
Taiyo will be open 7 days a week, from 10 am through 10 pm.
Takahashi is convinced the store will do well. “There are not many [Japanese] stores like this in Queens, most are in Manhattan,” he said.
Taiyo takes over the space that was last occupied by Queens Gyrotonic, which moved location in the middle of 2012 to 49th Street.
Toshiaki Takahashi and Hiroshi Hataski (L-R)
Featured Events
33 Comments
I know this is an old story… but this place leaves their basement doors open all the time – even at dusk/night. Someone is going to get seriously injured. It’s so negligent.
Wonderful addition! It’s a great place to shop.
Dojo aregato!
Just popped in to take a look, and walked out with a bunch of goodies. They have lots of sauces, japanese curry mixes, snacks foods, all kinds of frozen dumplings, and lots of other interesting products. It does look a bit empty from outside though.
I hope they don’t read the idiotic racism in these comments. Best of luck to them.
Potato croquettes are one of my favorites when prepared properly. Mmm. Looking forward to shopping at this store . Good luck to the owners
Lots of great stuff. Tried the prepared foods, including the fried shrimp dumplings, and a noodle dish from the back cooler – both were great. Also picked up some great Carrot-Ginger Dressing. Was impressed by the selection and would recommend.
Lovely store, good selection of varied products and delicious prepared food.
A great addition to the neighborhood.
The complimentary welcoming gifts at check out was such a sweet touch!
Good luck gentlemen.
Visited the store yesterday and it looked great. Prices were reasonable. I’ll be back!
Referring to our neighborhood as a “multicultural cesspool” is hardly a positive statement. Although you’re apparently NOT from around here, you are more than welcome, as is anyone else. But try to be less “moronic” and you’ll find fewer people getting irritated by your presence. Just a suggestion.
Their green tea ice cream is fantastic! Highly recommended.
Hal, this neighborhood belongs to the people who live here. Love it or leave it! The last thing we need is more ignorant xenophobes who think they are entitled to live in an ethnically homogenous enclave in the most diverse place on earth. There is no place for bigotry in our community.
That’s funny… Someone’s who barely literate is calling me a moron, and lecturing me on getting an education.
Oh, and neither is “Japs”. It’s like saying Brits or Aussies.
Okaaaaaaay… “Multicultural cesspool” is not an ethnic slur.
I went to this store, it is pretty small but cool. They had some great hot food, got vegetable and potato croquettes and chicken and pork dumplings. Awesome…
I am happy to have a place like this in my neighborhood
Good luck
hal, yea him not not capitalizing your name on purpose. So the 1920-30s would have been great?? look at our history moron, we’ve had major immigration during the early 1900’s. Man, if you think its a cesspool move to Idaho. Have some basic facts and intelligence before you post. Clearly you have little education and persepective on American immigration.
Good luck. The selection is small compared to pacific and Hong Kong markets located in Elmhurst.
@ hal
You are not a gentleman. Watch your words. There should be no room Ethnic slurs on this forum.
Somebody put a muzzle on Hal’s racism.
I am looking forward! Congratulations and success!
Asians have also taken over the fish department at Key Food on QB and 46th Street. The store has a new fish counter on the 46th Street side, with at least one full-time attendant. Fish prices seemed a bit higher than when the department was part of the meat department. I suspect this new fish counter is a concession, with the owner paying rent to the store.
Also, he should take down that stupid sign sticking out from between the stores. If not, maybe I’ll be kind enough to accidentally knock it down myself. That being said, it’s almost as if these Sunnyside establishments have a competition amongst each other to see which one can be more objectionable. I was definitely born in the wrong era. The 1920’s-1930’s would have been great.. It’s already a multicultural cesspool, I just wonder what it’ll be like 50 years from now.
With a the advent of internet commerce, rents should have dramatically decreased… I’ll bet dollars to donuts this store closes after about a year.
Hope I’m wrong, good luck Japs..
Im not Japanese but I always go to that place near bryant park, cafe zaiya. Man i love that place, i hope i can just buy it here in Queens. Im hoping for a little cafe with a couple of seats so me and my family can sit and eat.
good luck… i love to see interesting things open in my neighborhood
Looking forward to shopping there!
This is good news. I’m not Asian, but I love Japanese food and the Ariyoshi quality of service. I can’t wait to buy delicious Japanese food now!
They need to advertise, and advertise like hell, not just in the neighborhood but outside to williamsburg, astoria, woodside, even forest hills.
Cash Only is a shame, but I guess it’s till they get their POS readers.
I think their awning is just fine, it’s much better than that LED sign blinking all the time on top of the barber/watch repair/pawn/jewelery/passport photo store place establishment next to it.
Inside they just need more lighting, it looked a bit “empty” but overall I am sure they will make it better in time.
頑張ってください！
Congrads!!!!Mazel Tov!!!!
Lots of luck!
So excited!
I wish them well. I also wish they had picked a nicer awning. At least it will fit in with all the other ones in town.