Stony Brook’s Zheng’s Asian Market is a ‘dream fulfilled’ for new owners

Stony Brook’s Zheng’s Asian Market is a ‘dream fulfilled’ for new owners

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Owners Frank Zheng and his wife Jackie Chen. Photo by Jenna Zaza

By Jenna Zaza

Frank Zheng and his wife Jackie Chen finally fulfilled their long-awaited dream of opening a family-owned Asian market when they strung the Grand Opening banner across the quaint storefront windows nearly two months ago. 

Stony Asian Mart has reopened its doors as Zheng’s Asian Market to a bright, healthy future under new ownership. “We previously owned a Chinese restaurant for 14 years but we got tired of it, too much work,” Zheng said. “We were always thinking of opening a market and then we found this place and it was the perfect chance so — boom — we got it.”

Located across the street from the Long Island Rail Road Stony Brook station at 1087 North Country Road,  the market is an ideal spot for Stony Brook University students and faculty as well as hospital staff, according to Zheng. The small store carries a diverse range of products from medicinal and cosmetics to beverages and frozen foods. 

“There is no Asian market that is easy for students. We got food that is easy to cook, ones that you can microwave for 15 minutes. We are serving Stony Brook,” Chen said. 

Their goal to service the Stony Brook demographic is clear in their pricing. Dry snacks prices such as the popular Korean choco pie typically stay under $10, and Chinese fruit cakes only around $4 and bags of PopCorners are $1. Frozen buns, shumai and dumplings are around $5.75 and a 5-pack of instant noodles, a college staple, averages $7. But quality is not compromised for quality, Chen assures.

“I order from the number one big [importer] for Asian food, the quality is good, and bigger companies have guaranteed return policies if there are any issues,” Chen said. “It’s good for me and good for my customers. I don’t ever worry.”

Zheng’s Asian Market currently offers a 10% discount for Stony Brook University students and faculty. It also offers delivery for orders within a 3-mile radius of the university’s campus exceeding $35 with no extra fee. 

“There is all the stuff here you would find in Flushing and it’s cheaper,” said Sophia Shi, freshman political science major at Stony Brook University. “It’s also a hundred times cleaner than the stores in Flushing. I can see why a lot of people are liking the mart.” 

After purchasing the building, the owners fixed up the mini-mart by repainting it. However, the rebuilding process doesn’t stop there. Zheng’s Asian Market is proving to be a refreshing and much-needed change, according to students. 

“The old one was dark, like the lights weren’t on. I thought it was closed at first,” said John Choi, a junior majoring in biology. “I think [the new owners] made a lot of new improvements. The selection is pretty good too and I like the student discount.” 

It’s not only the power couple who are behind this business but also their children who are helping promote the new improved market by posting on the Stony Brook Reddit and hanging flyers on campus, according to Chen. 

“Stony Brook [University] is like a small city because there are a lot of people working there, and living there, hopefully more people know about us,” Zheng said. “We will check it out and see how it goes.”

In winter months, they plan to stock frozen meats and fish in hopes to appeal to hot-pot fanatics, Zheng said. They are also thinking of possibly extending their figurines and plushie stock depending on customer interest.

“When I come in here, I feel like I am back in my hometown,” said Susan Sun, a freshman psychology major. “The staff are so friendly and they should try to do more promotions. As long as people come to see it for the first time, they’ll keep coming back.”

For the new owners, service is one of their most important business pillars aside from price and quality. Zheng’s Asian Market aims to serve the Stony Brook residents’ food and high-quality service, welcoming them like family. 

“We are not big money seekers, not a million-dollar business,” Zheng said. “We just want to pay the [bills] and have fun with the people. We’ll take care of the community.” 

Jenna Zaza is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom.