A thriving business in Carrollwood prompted the Kim family to open Natural Market II in Land O’ Lakes.
Now nearing its first anniversary, the store is settling into its new community and giving customers another choice for locally grown fruits and vegetables.
The store also stocks an eclectic mix of Asian, Latin and American grocery staples.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
A recurring plea from Carrollwood customers who had moved to Pasco County prompted Jeff Kim to search for a second location for Natural Market.
That, and the chance for a new beginning in a high-growth area like Pasco.
“They’ve been asking us to open,” said Kim. “Finally, it’s time.”
On a drive down Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, Kim spotted a vacant gas station at 4204 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., at the Bell Lake Road intersection.
It was not in the best of shape, he recalled. “Everything had to be cleaned out.”
From the start, the grocery business has been a family affair.
Kim and his family came to Tampa from Korea nearly 30 years ago when he was a teenager.
The family opened its Carrollwood market, at 4441 Gunn Highway, about 18 years ago.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Kim divides his time between Carrollwood and Land O’ Lakes. His son, Yong Son, is manager of the Land O’ Lakes store.
Customers say they appreciate the family friendly atmosphere.
“We love that it’s local and a lot of the veggies come from local farmers,” said Diane Polson, who stopped by recently to pick up fresh tomatoes. “That’s my No. 1 biggie.”
She also likes the purified water system that Kim has recently installed. “It’s another bonus,” she said.
The bins at Natural Market are filled with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Some are familiar such as cantaloupe, tomatoes and apples. But it is a place to find the unfamiliar as well, including dragon fruit, sapota fruit, rambutan and longan.
Freshness and uniqueness is what Natural Market strives for. Raw honey, bee pollen, herbs, fresh-squeezed juices and farm-fresh eggs are a small part of the foods stocked on shelves and in refrigerators.
Kim also points with pride at the freshly cut flowers and flower arrangements.
Shopping for the market is always a pleasure, he said.
“It’s from experience. You go to the market every day. You see all the unique produce. It is something that connects with me,” he said.
Published July 15, 2015
