I saw that too May :-( I have Trader Joe envy every time there is a post about it!

Well, it must be Kansas City too, because as far as I know, there are no plans yet to open any stores here. I did send an e-mail just this morning, asking that very question, but I'm not holding my breath. The closest store for me is four hours away, which seems unacceptable!

Great article - thanks!
I like to buy certain items at TJ's. My spending has increased because of the health conscious foods they carry.
It is always an adventurous, people watching experience shopping at TJ's ~LOL~

When I first moved to L.A. in 1989, I ended up living three blocks from a Trader Joe's in Culver City. Parking there was pretty difficult (they were across the street from the former MGM Studios and had signs saying "No Studio Parking"), and so I often walked there, but then I could only buy what I could carry. I didn't realize how lucky I was at the time, but I did notice that the store was immensely popular. Kevin now works in the building (SONY Pictures) across the street from the old TJ's, but shortly after he started working there, they moved TJ's to a new location, which is 2-3 blocks from SONY and has a much bigger parking lot. When he worked across the street from TJ's, he went there almost every day, as it was a good place to pick up lunch.

I expect that TJs will be opening in more states soon. The old TJ's in Culver City was my favorite. There always seemed to be a lot of young European tourists there, I guess because they were on a budget.

Lars

A favorite store for me for many years in Ca. Now it is a four hour drive to get to one....and we do it often. Can't beat 2 buck chuck, even tho it is 3 buck chuck here in Oregon. NANNY
Oh yes, thanks for the article.

I am so excited their first Nebraska store is to open soon. Before that the closest was a days drive in St. Louis. It is still a 3 hr drive but worth it to me. OTH the last 2 years when we have been on vacation I have shopped like crazy and brought home goodies with me, and a nice person here shopped for me this spring. Now I can do my own shopping:)

Stacie

(sigh) I wish I owned stock in TJ's. I loved them from waaaaaay back when they were just getting started...I think it was in the Pasadena area?

Yup, on Arroyo Pky. Here's my favorite TJ's related link.

Here is a link that might be useful: The TJ's Song

May, It certainly is a disappointment. But no tears for you because you have Penzeys AND Central Market.

LOL, Cathy. Right you are! But you know, that doesn't stop me from lusting after TJ's. But isn't it weird that both Texas and Florida seem to have the same situation?

I have both Penzeys and TJ in St. Louis but no Central Market. My daughter lives in Texas and we always drive when we visit so we can shop and bring things back we can't find here.

I remember when TJ opened here in Modesto quite a few years ago. It was a ghost store for a long time. No one knew what to make of them here and I was afraid they would fold their tent and leave town. Now they are always mobbed

I would go to Trader Joes around the holidays to get their collosal size frozen shrimp. I had the urge for some recently so I took a ride over and much to my chagrin they only had a few bags of medium size shrimp. I inquired as to what the problem was, the person told me that TJ's said their shrimp supplier was charging too much.She told me that they were in the process of finding another company to provide them with shrimp.. That did not make me feel too happy .

We are getting one in West Des Moines. According to the paper they applied for a liquor license starting Sept.1. Can't wait!
Katharina

Katharina - such an unusual name. Did you live in Minneapolis at one time? I used to know a Katharina.

I am so lucky. I have three Trader Joe's in town - no more than 3 miles from me, & another two not more than 8 miles. There are also two Whole Foods. I go to TJs every week.

Theresa, yes I did. From 1989 until 1997. First in Plymouth and then in Champlin.

I don't understand the "distribution" problem in Florida. I know that technically Aldi's and TJs are different, but Aldi is expanding like crazy in Florida, no distribution issues there. I live in an upscale foodie town that is PERFECT for TJ's we have absolutely everything else here, frankly I am spoiled by the great food shopping, yet even though I have never set foot in a Trader Joe I am upset that we don't have one! lol

When I was in the TJ's up in VA last year they told me that they were opening one in Orlando. What a nice store. They were so friendly. I only tried as much as I could fit in my carry on. I hope they sort it out. That store would do great in South Fl too.

I live in Middletown, NJ and go to the one in Westfield about 40 minutes away.I would go more often if it were closer. They will be coming to Shrewsbury ( 20 minutes away) and are starting on the store in a few months I can,t wait.

There are 3 TJs sorta near me but none close enough to shop at regularly. One sells no liquor at all & the other two only sell beer. So, no cheap wine.

The one we usually go to is out-of-state & in an old dreary strip mall. The store is disorganized & dirty. It's a very depressing place to shop. We rarely go, maybe twice/year.

I suspect the other two stores are nicer but they are a lot further to drive & in a direction we seldom travel.

We are supposed to get a new WFs within five miles but it's at least a couple years away.

People here are very complimentary of TJs but I really don't have much good to say. Ours is just the pits. Well, I do have something good...the people working there are friendly & helpful. :)

/tricia

There are three T.J. in my area, one is five minutes away.

Lars, I was in L.A. a couple of months ago, and I visited my friends at Sony Pictures. I had lunch in their employee's outdoor cafeteria. I could have run into Kevin. :-)

dcarch

I wonder if they will ever open any in Canada.

Ann

Like Deb, I got to the Westfield TJ's, but it's an hour away so I don't get there often. However, I recently discovered a new TJ's in Princeton - just as far, but I have reason to be down that way each week, so it's become a regular trip.

Good thing, because I'm now addicted to TJ's Tuscan White Bean Hummus!

Sue

Katharina - did you work at the Airport Hilton?

Teresa

Ann,

I will be going to Vancouver in December. I can bring you stuff from T.J. :-)

dcarch