EMERYVILLE, Calif. (KRON) -- It's 12:30 a.m., and Ryan Ly-Burbridge is standing outside of Tokyo Central supermarket in Emeryville. Ly-Burbridge, an Oakland resident, is the first person in line for the Japanese grocery store's grand opening at 10 a.m. "We've been excited for the Tokyo Central ope ning," Ly-Burbridge said. "Patiently waiting for over a year now for this opening. Really excited." It is by far the most highly anticipated grocery store opening in the Bay Area this year. Yes, 2026 just started, but it's unlikely another supermarket opening will draw this kind of Saturday morning crowd at the Bay Street Emeryville shopping center. Hundreds of people were in line that wrapped around the shopping center and its parking lot -- many waiting hours to shop in the city's only Japanese supermarket. Ly-Burbridge recalls his trip to Japan and fell in love with the food there. He looks forward to having Tokyo Central in his backyard and its Japanese-specific offerings that take him back to his September 2025 trip with his wife. That is Tokyo Central's mission. The Japanese company said it wants to give its customers authentic flavors of Japan locally, here in the Bay Area. (See slideshow below for a look inside the supermarket) Super Bowl week concerts: Here’s a list of shows in Bay AreaThis is what will replace Neiman Marcus in Walnut Creek https://twitter.com/atolent2/status/2017763002527977828?s=46t=kVUe91eKkpmqt-B3nca9pg One thing that one may notice inside is the especially large section for alcoholic beverages. Tokyo Central sells a variety of hard liquor, sake, beer and other imports from Japan and other Asian countries. Tokyo Central offers a number of grab-and-go food options. There is also a do-it-yourself buffet -- similar to what you would see at a Whole Foods. Menu options include Chicken Karaage, Chicken Teriyaki, bento boxes, sushi and poke bowls. Like many Asian supermarkets today, Tokyo Central also has a dedicated section for K-beauty products. Of course, the store still offered plenty of Japanese beauty and hygiene products. "Today's ribbon-cutting represents more than just the opening of a new business. It represents Emeryville's commitment to cultural diversity, economic vitality," said Emeryville Mayor Sukhdeep Kaur. "We are excited about the energy and opportunities Tokyo Central will bring to our city. I'm confident the store will be a destination for families, food lovers and anyone eager to experience something new." Tokyo Central's grand opening drew crowds from all over the Bay Area. Fairfield resident Liezl Loanzon made the drive to stand in line starting at 5:30 a.m. "It's exciting because this is one of the stores we went to in Japan," said Loanzon, who was among the first five people in line. Tokyo Central is owned and operated by Pan Pacific International Holdings Corporation, which runs hundreds of grocery stores in Japan. The grand opening festivities continue on Sunday with several promos and specials. Hours for this weekend are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. After that, regular store hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Tokyo Central is located at 5603 Bay St. in Emeryville. "Free parking for Tokyo Central customers is available on the 2nd floor of Tokyo Central building," the grocer said on its website. "Enjoy up to 1.5 hours of free 122 parking spaces when you shop at Tokyo Central." Tokyo Central's lone other Bay Area location is in Cupertino. There are more than a dozen locations in Southern California. The Emeryville opening falls in line with the recent trend of more Asian grocery store openings in the Bay Area. Last month, fellow Japanese grocery, Osaka Marketplace, debuted in Foster City and has served the needs of that community on the Peninsula. More details about Tokyo Central's grand opening can be viewed on its website. ...read more read less