A Waukee resident is making plans to open an Asian grocery store in the Dallas County community.

“Most of our community goes all the way to West Des Moines or Des Moines for items,” said Kalyan Tottempudi, who lives in Waukee. “Having something in Waukee would be a lot closer for them.”

The grocery store is planned on a 1.6-acre parcel at 1475 S.E. Bishop Drive, about one block south of Southeast University Avenue (See map at right.) The 6,000-square-foot, one-story structure would include space for a small restaurant. A patio is proposed on the building’s east side.

Waukee’s Planning and Zoning Commission in late September approved site plans for the project, which is being developed by Super 6 LLC. The limited liability company is managed by Tottempudi.

The estimated population of Waukee is 31,645; 5.5% of its population is Asian, according to the city’s website.

Tottempudi said among the items the store will carry are a variety of vegetables such as bamboo shoots and bok choy, spices and other seasonings, fruits and grains.

Tottempudi hopes construction of the grocery store begins yet this year, after all of the necessary city approvals are received. The store could be open by late spring of 2025, he said.