Asian food store in Whitehorse closes
Can't compete with the expanding line of Asian foods at large chain stores
A Whitehorse food store that caters to the Yukon Filipino community is closing down.
Ailene Gayangos, owner of the Asian Central Store, says she can't compete with the large chain stores that are expanding their line of Asian foods.
"This is the food that we are looking for," says Leo Dowres, who drives from Carmacks to dine at the Asian Central.
"It's basically the taste, there is no difference from the food back home. They're great, they're amazing. We miss them."
The proprietor concedes she is shutting down with a heavy heart.
"When there's newcomers coming in, the very first place they will end up doing is connecting with us," says Gayangos.
The store and restaurant has been in operation just three and a half years, specializing in items that Filipino and Asian immigrants would see on the shelves in their home country.
But it's also become a hub for the large and close-knit immigrant community.
"We had quite a bit of sharing good fortune.. having wild dreams, challenges, and you know, sometimes even sorrow," says Gayangos.
The store is closed at the end of the business day June 30.