About US

Bend, Oregon has a special place in our hearts - it's where we've spent most of our lives and where we're raising our families. The connection we feel to this community runs deep, and it's the driving force behind Tomi Mart. Our goal is to serve, connect, and collaborate with our community, and we believe there's no better way to do that than through food and culture.

We recognize the growing need for an Asian market in Bend - not only to provide access to specialty staples and ingredients but also to ensure representation. At Tomi Mart, we're committed to making it easier for everyone to find their favorite Asian goodies and products. More importantly, we're dedicated to creating a welcoming space that feels like a second home for everyone in our community.

MEET THE OWNERS

Jesi Scott

Hello! I'm Jesi! As a proud Bend local, I've always felt a strong connection to my hometown. After spending about a decade away, living in Huangdao, China, Portland, Oregon, and Kutchan, Japan, I returned to Bend with a desire to give back to the community that shaped me. My life partner, Adam Shick, is half Japanese and also a Bend local—we're high school sweethearts! Our daughter, Tomiko Eddy, was born in Bend, and our market is named in honor of her and Adam's great-grandmother, Tomi Hashizume.

I have a passion for cultural diversity and Asian cuisine, and I'm excited to bring those elements together in Central Oregon through Tomi Mart. Family, friends, and community are at the heart of everything I do. In my free time, you'll likely find me snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor or rafting and fly fishing on the Deschutes River.

I'm thrilled to create and maintain this special space for our community. It's truly an honor and a privilege to embark on this journey together.

natasha dempsey

Hello everyone! My name is Natasha, and I'm delighted to share a bit about myself and why this market holds such a special place in my heart.

As a first-generation Korean American who has called Bend home since 1999, I take pride in my cultural heritage. My passion lies in food, particularly in cooking and sharing my Korean culture's traditional cuisine with my husband and two young sons, as it keeps our roots alive. There's nothing quite like a hot bowl of sundubu jjigae and rice to make me feel content. Although I'm a Registered Dietitian by profession, I'm eager to embark on this new journey with our market. When I'm not at Tomi Mart, you can find me experimenting in my kitchen, biking around town with my kids, enjoying the lake, or camping with my family.

I am dedicated to addressing the need for Asian ingredients and foods in our community, which not only provides convenience and familiarity but also fosters a sense of belonging, representation, and connection to various cultures. 

It's a pleasure to bring Tomi Mart to Bend, and I look forward to meeting all of you and sharing in this culinary adventure together!

OUr mission

At Tomi Mart, our mission goes beyond being just a grocery market. We believe in the power of our "4 C's" - Community, Culture, Celebration, and Collaboration. These guiding principles keep us focused on what truly drives us, ensuring that we provide more than just delicious food.

Community

  • Building connections within Tomi Mart’s community

  • Bridging the gap between communities

  • Highlighting Asian businesses & groups

  • Creating a vibrant future for our youth

Celebration

  • Showcasing the culinary richness of various cultures

  • Promoting local and international food offerings

  • Creating a culture of inclusivity in Central, Oregon

Culture

  • Preserving the essence of a sleepy, mountain town feeling

  • Advocating for Asian cultural understanding and appreciation

Collaboration

  • Partnering with community members and organizations

  • Fostering collaboration between local businesses

By embracing these 4 C's, Tomi Mart aspires to be an inclusive hub where people come together to share, learn, and experience the diverse flavors and cultures we have to offer. Our vision is to create a lasting impact on our community, making it a more vibrant and connected place for everyone.

WHY “Tomi’s homies?”

“Tomiko" (富子) - A name of Japanese origin meaning "wealth, abundance" and "child” and holds a special place in Jesi's family. It is a name passed down from her partner's great-grandmother Tomi, to their daughter, symbolizing an aspiration for abundance in connections and experiences.

“Homies” - In embracing the term ‘homie’ - originally ‘homeboy’ or ‘homegirl’ representing a close friend or community member. We aim to honor the unity, mutual respect and supportive spirit it signifies. While respecting the terms’ cultural richness and linguistic roots in Black and Latinx communities, and the wider cultural ties inherent in the language we use, it is our homage to camaraderie and solidarity.

“Tomi’s Homies” - Signifies our dedication to building an inclusive and supportive environment. It is our affectionate term for the network of patrons, friends, and family that make up the Tomi Mart community.