Today we’d like to introduce you to David Prom
Hi David, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My wife and I came to the United States as refugees escaping the Khmer Rouge, bringing our immediate families with us. We were young and spoke very little English. Together, we decided to start our lives in Wyoming, opening our first business, China Panda, a Chinese restaurant. We spent nearly a decade there, welcoming our first two daughters, Elizabeth and Elaine. Shortly after Elaine was born, we relocated to Park City, Utah, and brought our restaurant with us. We found success in Utah and worked tirelessly every day. Not long after, our third daughter, Emerald, was born, and our dedication intensified.
In 2002, after the birth of our youngest daughter, Kimberly, we decided to pursue something new, leading to the creation of Kim Heang Market. The beginning was filled with trial and error, as it was our first experience in retail sales, and we learned invaluable lessons in those early years. Our first location was temporary as we searched for a more permanent investment.
We eventually found a spot on a quiet street behind a Sonic in West Valley. We knew that with hard work, this location could grow into a thriving business. We started in one of the few existing units and, over the years, expanded to occupy the entire building. After more than 20 years in business, we’ve learned a great deal. The journey has required dedication and sacrifice, but we are incredibly grateful for where we are today.
We’re thrilled to have our daughters involved in the business, carrying on the entrepreneurial spirit that has always been a part of our family. My wife and I have a deep love for food, and we are passionate about representing lesser-known Asian cultures. We believe in the power of food to bring communities together.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every new business faces struggles, and starting out is no exception. Whether it’s financial issues, family dynamics, or other obstacles, running a business can be incredibly challenging. In the beginning, attracting customers was tough; we had little credit in the community and didn’t know anyone, which made gaining support difficult. As Cambodian refugees, we were already navigating significant challenges, including learning a new language and culture while trying to establish a retail business. The journey was far from easy, but it taught us resilience and determination.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Kim Heang Market?
At Kim Heang Market, we have proudly operated as a family-run business for over 20 years. We specialize in offering unique ingredients from around the world, including exotic fruits and vegetables, as well as large-scale frozen tuna—items that are often hard to find. Our menu features slow-cooked Chinese-style duck and pork, alongside freshly made daily offerings like spring rolls and banh mi, among many other delights.
We take great pride in our customer service, which we consider one of our greatest strengths. We believe that every customer who walks through our doors should feel welcome, and we strive to assist anyone with questions or inquiries about our products. While many Asian grocery stores cater primarily to specific ethnicities, we are dedicated to serving lesser-known Asian populations by providing hard-to-find ingredients that they may struggle to locate in Utah.
What were you like growing up?
As Cambodian refugees, our childhoods were shaped by the struggle for survival. During the Khmer Rouge, my wife and I didn’t know each other, but we faced strikingly similar hardships. We endured starvation, loss of family members, sickness, and countless other challenges while escaping the regime. When we first arrived in America as young children, everything was unfamiliar. We didn’t know the language or the culture, and entering the school system as refugees felt uncomfortable. Although our childhood was difficult it helped shape who we are today.
Pricing:
- $9.99 Spring Rolls
- $4.50 Iced Vietnamese Coffee
- $29.99 Chinese Style Roast Duck
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimheangslc/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimHeangMarketUT/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kim-heang-market-west-valley-city-3
