We planned to eat lunch in downtown Honolulu at Kamana Indian restaurant when we passed by this newly opened Korean convenience store, Nice To CU, located in Downtown Honolulu's Executive Centre at the corner of Hotel and Bishop Streets. During our recent May cruise, we noticed the popularity of convenience stores in Japan (Lawson, Family Mart, and 7-Eleven) and Korea (Nice To CU, 7-Eleven, MiniStop, and GS25) as these stores seemed to appear at every corner or street block.
I remembered wandering through several Nice To CU convenience stores while visiting Korea because I was so curious about the Korean convenience store culture I'd often seen in modern-day K-Dramas. It was exciting to see this convenience store chain open its first US location in Honolulu. As you might expect, the convenience store carries many grab-n-go beverages, snacks, meals, household items, and alcoholic beverages. But the Asian convenience stores offer much more in the way of their grab-n-go hot or cold meals and snacks, even though you might be concerned with nutrition or eating processed foods.
Upon entry, we were greeted by the cashiers near the front of the store. We started roaming around the store, and one of the female workers took the time to show me where to get pre-filled cups of ice with the purchase of their convenient fruit juices, flavored teas, or coffee pouches. I did mention that we had the opportunity to browse the Nice To CU stores in Korea, and their set-up was similar, if not larger. But, that's when she pointed out the local collaborations with Island Vintage coffee roasters, snacks, and bentos prepared by local chef Sheldon Simeon, and Korean prepared foods such as kimbap and mandoo labeled by a local company called "Ho'ina." The worker took the time to guide us back to the "Ramyun Library" and cooking stations. Once there, there were three tables shaped like ramen cups where some office workers, but mainly young high school and college students, were gathered around, busily slurping down their ramyun, udon, or tteokbokki.
We appreciated the worker's warmth and willingness to show us around this new store. Unfortunately, because we had just eaten lunch, we didn't purchase anything, but I've got my eyes focused on trying their Korean/local hot bentos and onigiris. So, I'm making plans to return soon.
We wish this new business well and think they can offer a new experience to Downtown workers and residents. read more