How can city serve Asian population?

The QVS Food Mart on Route 165 is one of only a few stores close by for thousands of residents on the city's East Side. Plus, Norwich's Asian population is growing faster than almost any other ethnic group.

But in its fifth year, Tse's store is barely staying afloat.

"I'm staying on, but I'm losing money," he said. "I've never worked this hard in my life. I'm still here, though. I don't want to give up that easy."

Tse's business difficulty is one example of the confusing disconnect between the new Asian population and the established services and businesses Norwich has to offer them.

QVS offers ethnic products, but its location puts it out of reach for many Asian immigrants who rely on public transportation to get around the city.

City leaders want to bridge that gap. In the next couple of months, Mayor Ben Lathrop plans to invite Asian newcomers to City Hall to share ideas about what city leaders can do for them.

"Maybe the first meeting, we won't get a lot of people," Lathrop said. "But maybe those people will talk and word would spread. I want to tap into that new resource.

"If we don't take a step to open up the dialogue, then we both lose," he added.

Norwich businesses are missing out on a large discretionary income from Asian workers who come into the area for casino jobs, but return to New York City on their days off to spend time with family, said Planning Director Peter Davis. He and other city leaders want to find out what needs to happen to get more Asian immigrants to make Norwich their home.

Fe Delos-Santos, program director at the University of Connecticut's Asian American Studies Institute, said people sometimes assume the different lifestyles of newcomers are culturally based, but they're really tied to money.

She said many Asian immigrants were displaced from New York City jobs after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. But even though they've ventured to Norwich for jobs, most still consider New York City home base.

"In New York City, they've already worked with social service agencies to help them navigate this complex system of service," Delos-Santos said. "And some of them might be a little daunted about where to begin out here."

Delos-Santos said many newcomers are hindered by the limited public transportation in Eastern Connecticut and don't have money to invest in a car, license and insurance.

Many attribute Tse's business troubles to the fact that his store is tough to get to without a car.

But Tse, determined to make his store a success, is launching a creative approach to lure more Asian and neighborhood clientele. He's adding an international food court to offer traditional Asian entrees along with classic American dishes.

"I cannot compete with the big supermarkets," he said. "We're more or less a quick mart for the neighborhood. But we're hoping with a mix we could stay above water."

Tse's food court will include dine-in, take-out or delivery options. He will serve authentic Hong Kong specialties, traditional Asian cuisine and American favorites -- such as hamburgers, grinders and pizza.

Jackie Espinoza, who has lived on Route 165 for 13 years, said the neighborhood desperately needs some eateries.

"If we had something on this side of town, it would be phenomenal," she said. "We have nothing over here."

Espinoza said the QVS dining option will be a good start, but really wants to see some other staples, such as a Dunkin' Donuts, Tim Horton's or Burger King.

"Even a little hot dog stand would be better than nothing," said her neighbor, Gloria Knox, who said she doesn't like Chinese food, but agreed there needs to be more East Side dining options.

Tse is looking forward to offering a mix of foods, all of which he said he enjoys.

"I am very international," he said, adding that he and his wife make a point of trying local foods anywhere they travel.

"My motto is eat everything and anything in moderation. Don't be afraid of trying anything," he said.

By DOROTHY SCHNEIDER