MANCHESTER, NH – There are still a few shelves left to fill, and the fresh food is a week away, but February 29 was totally “leap day” for Thanh Ho, owner of Saigon Asian Market.
After a few years and a big leap of faith, he’s back in business in the heart of Manchester.
“We’re excited to be back!,” said Ho, who originally started his business 15 years ago on South Maple Street.
The urge to expand and relocate into the heart of the downtown was the beginning of an arduous journey. Over the past several years, the quest for a new location had developers looking at existing buildings, including the Employment Security Office building on Hanover Street.
But a good fit is hard to find, whether it’s push-back from neighbors or zoning regulations.
However, a deal was finally struck with Yash Pal, owner of the Chateau Restaurant on Hanover Street, who sold part of his land to Ho. Now they are neighbors, and the location couldn’t be more ideal, according to architect David Ely, of Windy Hill Associates in New Boston.
“We looked at several sites before we decided on this one. We were looking at buildings to renovate first, but it became apparent to us we weren’t going to get what we needed unless we built new,” says Ely. “Then this site became available.”
Situated between a business district and a residential area concentrated with families means the market is poised to become a vital part of a walkable downtown.
“It’s right on the edge of the central business district, and it abuts the R-3 (three-family residential) zone, giving families here an alternative to either high-end restaurants, fast food restaurants or convenience stores for food. We have quality food, here – fresh fish, fresh meat, fresh produce – and it’s going to perform a great service to this community by bringing these fresh foods here where people can walk to get them.”
The 11,000-square-foot market will bring not only an Asian cuisine to the neighborhood, but will serve as an international market, says Ho, with something for everyone.
Mayor Ted Gatsas was on hand for a ceremonial ribbon cutting on Monday, followed by a sumptuous buffet of finger foods and Asian specialties.
“It’s wonderful that a new business is opening in Manchester. That means new jobs and confidence in the city, which is wonderful,” Gatsas said.
Donna Upson, Vice President of Commercial Lending for Lowell Five Bank, said she has been working with the owners of Saigon Market every step of the way. The bank provided the construction financing for the project, and the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund participated in permanent financing for the project.
“This location will serve moderate to low-income families here. There’s always been a gap in service, since the original location closed, and we’re proud to be associated with them,” Upson said.
Lowell Five Bank Chief Lending Officer Donald Bedard said the location of the market, in proximity to his bank’s home office in Lowell, Mass., also makes sense.
“Lowell has the second-largest southeast Asian population in the country,” Bedard said. “We’re very familiar with that segment of the population and we are very interested in working with them, as they continue to make important investments in the communities where they live. It’s been a long road. There are always ups and downs when it comes to construction, but we’re happy to be part of their success.”
