South Hill Mall’s long-empty Toys ‘R’ Us is finally getting a second act, and it smells a lot like fresh dumplings and pho. A familiar Asian supermarket chain is turning the former big-box space into the South Hill Asian Center, a combined international grocery and eight-stall food court that is set to bring new dining and shopping options to Puyallup later this year. Construction crews are already at work on the overhaul.
According to Hong Kong Market, the new store is listed at 3551 9th St SW in Puyallup and is marked as “Coming Soon” in 2026. The website also features a vendor inquiry form, signaling that the chain is actively recruiting food court operators for the South Hill Asian Center.
What’s On The Menu
The South Hill Asian Center’s food court is planned for eight vendor stalls, and five are already spoken for: Mr. Dim Sum (Chinese dumplings and buns), Pho J (Vietnamese soups), Natalie’s Sugarcane and Dessert (sugarcane drinks and sweets), Asia Xpress (build-your-own bowls) and an as-yet-unnamed Korean vendor, as reported by The News Tribune. Owner Brian Hoang is still courting additional operators, including tacos, burgers and ramen concepts, to round out the mix.
From Big Box To Food Hall
The project will convert the former Toys ‘R’ Us into a roughly 31,000-square-foot market with a central communal dining area. Interior and entry upgrades are designed to guide shoppers from grocery aisles into the food court at the heart of the space. Project materials and renderings on the design firm’s portfolio lay out the planned finishes and customer flow for the South Hill Asian Center, according to Tiscareno.
When To Expect It
Developers told The News Tribune they are targeting construction completion in September and hope to open the market and food court in October. The outlet also notes the Toys ‘R’ Us space has sat vacant since 2017, so this makeover marks a significant reuse for a high-profile corner of South Hill Mall.
Where It Fits
Hong Kong Market already operates locations in Kent, Federal Way and Burien, and the South Hill site is being positioned as part of that growing regional cluster of international groceries paired with casual dining, according to Hong Kong Market. The company’s website also invites prospective vendors to apply for stalls, indicating that would-be operators can reach out directly about landing a spot in the new Puyallup food court.
