Japanese convenience store brings konbini experience to Longmont

• Then, the owners found a permanent location last summer at 195 S Main St.

Why it matters: If you've never been to a Japanese convenience store, or konibini, it's not your typical American gas station stop.

• Konbini are known for their surprisingly fresh food and high-quality grab-and-go options, far from the stereotypes of heat lamp hot dogs and suspect sushi.

What to expect: "Kawaii" means cute in Japanese, and while the shop is a little smaller than your average Japanese version, it's packed with a wide variety of Asian snacks, ice cream, drinks and candy.

• You can also find pantry staples and cooking supplies and even some toys and collectibles

Best bites: The real draw is the fresh food.

• The store offers a selection of onigiri — Japanese rice balls — with fillings like tuna and smoked salmon.

• They also occasionally sell bentos and the fluffy Japanese sandwiches that became an Instagram sensation.
• Onigiri are available daily while supplies last. Sandwiches and bentos are only offered on certain days, so check ahead.

My thought bubble: As someone who has been to Japan several times and was raised in a state with a heavy Japanese influence, I loved spotting snacks and drinks I hadn't had in years.

If you go: Open 11am-6pm Wednesday-Saturday, 11am-5pm Sunday.

• Closed Monday and Tuesday.