Stand-up comedians are used to tuning out the noise of clinking glasses and patrons moving in and out during their sets, but what about the sounds of rolling shopping carts or the smell of fried fish? This is the unique atmosphere you’ll find on comic Jenny Yang’s nationwide summer comedy tour, where she transforms cultural grocery stores into comedy clubs for a night. Yang is fully embracing this unconventional choice of venue.
“I got to buy a bunch of small snacks and shrimp chips and throw them into the audience every time I felt like a joke didn’t land,” Yang shared with excitement. “I mean, this is my dream.”
Jenny Yang, a veteran in stand-up and sketch comedy, is known for her acting work in Netflix’s “The Brothers Sun.” Her latest project, the Good Egg Immigrant Grocery Store Standup Comedy Tour, is a response to the immigration crackdowns during the Trump administration that have significantly affected Asian, Latino, and Black communities. Yang aims to entertain in cities with immigrant enclaves, giving back to the communities that inspire her. With help from local organizations, she has chosen grocery store stops and nonprofits to donate to along the way.
This innovative tour has expanded from five performances to nearly 20, surpassing her expectations. It kicked off on June 5 in Los Angeles and has since traveled to cities like Minneapolis and Phoenix. After concluding in New York and San Francisco, the tour will wrap on September 26 back in L.A., where Yang plans to film a performance for a proposed comedy special.
During her sets, Yang tackles a variety of topics, including infertility and the immigrant experience in the U.S. While some comedians debate whether political issues should be addressed in stand-up, Yang firmly believes that her comedy reflects her values. “I believe in punching up, not down,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to using humor as a tool for advocacy.
Finding Inspiration in Personal Struggles
Last December, Yang, who immigrated from Taiwan, received disappointing news about her in vitro fertilization treatment. Heartbroken and reflecting over breakfast, she lamented not having “one good egg” to start a family. The barrage of headlines about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations inspired her to create a tour that merges her past as a labor organizer with her passion for stand-up comedy.
“Bringing people together inside an immigrant grocery store reaffirms our ability to take up space and own the space that matters to us,” Yang said, highlighting her mission to create a sense of community through laughter.
After emceeing a gala for the Asian Law Caucus in April, Yang pitched her unique idea to the San Francisco-based group. The Caucus works pro bono for immigrant communities and on significant cases, offering Yang a platform to connect with those she culturally relates to. “We understand that so much of how we reach the community is through, especially for Asian communities, food and culture,” said executive director Aarti Kohli. “Comedy is healing and unifying.”
Transforming Grocery Stores into Stages
At Shuang Hur Supermarket in Minneapolis, just half a block from where ICE agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, Yang performed in July. Manager Henry Zhou described how they reconfigured shelves near the checkout lanes to fit 150 chairs for the audience. “Everybody got in line to buy some snacks and drinks, and a few people even did a bit of grocery shopping,” he noted.
Zhou dimmed the lights for Yang, creating a unique ambiance for the performance. “Just renting a spotlight makes a show,” Yang remarked. “How fun is it that I’m literally doing stand-up comedy next to an aisle that sells fungus and five pounds of rice?” Zhou found the experience rewarding and expressed interest in hosting more events. “We enjoyed every minute. Even after the show, everyone stayed and chatted,” he said. “I’m pretty sure it helped us promote the store.”
The Role of Cultural Grocery Stores
“Ethnic food” has evolved beyond just a supermarket aisle. Stores like H Mart and 99 Ranch Market, along with smaller outlets, generate approximately $55.8 billion in revenue, according to a 2025 report from IBISWorld. These stores serve as “cross-cultural meeting grounds,” according to Willow Lung, founding director of the Small Business Anti-Displacement Network. They provide jobs for locals and attract other businesses, acting as community anchors where there may not be a Chinatown or Japantown.
“They function as a kind of ‘main street’ for communities,” Lung explained. “We often underestimate the value of a grocery store beyond just selling products.”
For over a year, international grocers have faced challenges due to tariffs and the fears of immigrant customers. Some stores have had to close temporarily or even long-term. Grocery workers like Zhou have stepped up to help their communities. For some customers, he has taken shopping lists via text and delivered groceries directly.
Yang hopes her comedy will provide a momentary distraction from the worries many in these communities experience. “It’s just a way to remind people that while there’s a lot of doom and gloom, we’ve got to make room for joy,” she stated, highlighting the importance of laughter in difficult times.
