A small specialty grocery store in Fulton is attracting customers from all over central Missouri.
"People come from Jefferson City, Columbia, Sedalia and Lake of the Ozarks," said Sita Wysong, manager of Oriental Mart and Travel Services in Fulton. "They come from everywhere."
Oriental Mart is dedicated to selling all kinds of groceries from Asian countries. Foods from China, Japan, Vietnam and Wysong's native Philippines can all be found under one roof. They also sell snacks, soups, candies and other international treats.
"I try my best to mix the different oriental foods," she said. "All kinds of soups and snacks. I try to mix it to meet people's demands."
The store, which opened in late 2012, has been able to cater to the diverse college student population living in Fulton, Wysong said.
"So far, it's doing good," she said. "Oriental people from all over are coming. The students, they come over and are really happy to see their food from home."
Not only students hailing from Asian countries can enjoy the food, Wysong said. The store sells food from all over the world.
"Most are Asian, they're also from Jamaica, Ghana, all kinds of foods," she said. "We also have food from the Philipines."
One food, however, is by far the most popular to her customers, Wysong added.
"All the stir-fries and soups have many different flavors," she said. "But, if you are talking about noodles, I have all kinds. Asian people love to eat noodles."
A variety of noodles from different countries line many of the shelves in the small store. Patrons can also find a plethora of meats and fish in freezers lining the walls.
"If you're a fish lover, we have ocean fish," Wysong added.
Especially in the Midwest where American food is king, Wysong said it's important for people to venture out and try new foods. She is always willing to help those struggling with a recipe.
"That's what people need to do, try different types of food at their table," she said. "I introduce people to foods. They bring me the name of the recipe, and I show them how to make it."
Oriental Mart customer Genny Asher, of Jefferson City, said the store has helped her introduce her children to international foods. Eating foods from different cultures, she said, does more than just refine the palate.
"With me, it's trying new things. I'm trying to open the world up a little bit to them," she said. "Generally, if you have an unwillingness to try new foods, you also have an unwillingness to have friends from other cultures. It's important to teach your kids to be fearless feasters."
Teresa Thurkill, who lives in Fulton, said trying new foods is a thrill.
"I love Filipino food; this place is awesome," she said. "This food, you've never had anything like it. Variety is the spice of life, I'm telling you."
Store management, Thurkill said, is always willing to help customers in a bind.
"(Sita's) so awesome," she added. "She's sweet, and if we want to order something special, she'll get it for us."
Serving her customers, Wysong said, is as exciting as trying a new food.
"I'm excited for people who are excited to come in," she said. "There are slow days, and many people make orders to pick up. I'm always excited to see people."
The small space, however, has presented a few minor issues for the store. In the future, Wysong hopes the store will be able to expand and purchase the building they are currently in.
"If we can get the building, we can expand," she added. "The delivery is only once a month, and sometimes I run out of certain items. With more space, that won't happen."
At the end of the day, Wysong said all she wants to do is make people smile.
"I'm just hoping that everybody's happy," she said. "I'm happy to see people, and I hope I can serve them longer."
The store is at 1311 S. Business 54 in Fulton. It is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.
