Asian food store in Whitehorse closes

A Whitehorse food store that caters to the Yukon Filipino community is closing down.

AileneGayangos, owner of theAsian Central Store,saysshe 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," saysLeoDowres,whodrives fromCarmacksto 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 sheis 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 restauranthas been in operation justthree and a half years, specializing initems 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," saysGayangos.

The store is closed at the end of thebusiness day June 30.