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For nearly 30 years, Nguyen Loi Oriental Supermarket has been a lifeline for Haltom City’s Asian community—but now, its future hangs in the balance as a corporate giant prepares to move in.

David Dang, the owner of Nguyen Loi Oriental Supermarket in Haltom City says they have most products that H Mart offers. It is one of the biggest and longest-tenured Asian supermarkets in the city. Dang bought the grocery store more than 30 years ago, but believes the H Mart opening nearby will negatively affect their business and other small businesses that shaped Haltom City into what it is today.

Nguyen Loi Oriental Supermarket stands as a staple of the Haltom City Asian community—David Dang has run the place for nearly 30 years, forging personal bonds and serving multi‑generations of families.

Long lines form at the cash register at Nguyen Loi Oriental Supermarket in Haltom City on Sunday, May 11, 2025. Nguyen Loi is one of the biggest and longest-tenured Asian supermarkets in the city. Dao and her husband David, who bought the grocery store more than 30 years ago, believe the H Mart opening nearby will negatively effect their business and other small businesses that shaped Haltom City into what it is today.

But as a new H Mart looms on the horizon, there is an underlying fear that the powerful chain could overshadow the beloved local business.

Construction of the new shopping center containing H Mart is underway at the intersection of N Beach Street and NE Loop 820 in Haltom City on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The corporate supermarket is slated to open in November 2025.

An Truong, the Mayor of Haltom City, is photographed in his conference room at the Haltom City City Hall building on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Truong is ecstatic about the H Mart arriving in Haltom City because of the revenue is it slated to bring. According to Truong, the H Mart in Carrolton makes about two million dollars a week.

Haltom City Mayor An Truong believes H Mart will change everything and will bring revenue for the city, even if it means turning his back on the original Asian businesses that made Haltom City what it is today. Family-run businesses have served the city’s large Vietnamese community for decades.

David Dang had drafted plans years ago to add a plaza to his shopping center on East Belknap Street. He said he felt betrayed when the city no longer backed the project.

David Dang’s plans for expanding his supermarket and shopping center hit a dead end the announcement of H Mart coming to Haltom City.

Dao Dang, one of the owners of Nguyen Loi Oriental Supermarket, works the cash register at her store in Haltom City on Sunday, May 11, 2025.

Produce worker Naioko Mathias checks the produce inventory at Nguyen Loi Oriental Supermarket in Haltom City on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Produce worker who goes by the Ciello checks the quality of the yucca roots at Nguyen Loi Oriental Supermarket in Haltom City on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Nguyen Loi Oriental Supermarket, bottom left, is located at the intersection of NE 28th Street and E Belknap Street in Haltom City approximately 10 minutes away from where H Mart will be opening their newest DFW location.

“We worry, we’re afraid. That’s for sure,” Dang said. “How much will we lose business? We don’t know yet. Yes, but it still makes me worry."

"So many nights sleepless.”

David Dang, the owner of Nguyen Loi Oriental Supermarket in Haltom City says they have most products that H Mart offers. It is one of the biggest and longest-tenured Asian supermarkets in the city. Dang bought the grocery store more than 30 years ago, but believes the H Mart opening nearby will negatively affect their business and other small businesses that shaped Haltom City into what it is today.

Dang is unsure about the future of his store and views speaking out about his concerns as an emotional plea that his community‑rich supermarket not be lost in the shadow of big‑box competition.

A customer shops in the sauce aisle of Nguyen Loi Oriental Supermarket in Haltom City.

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