Shoppers lineup as they wait for the grand opening of a Trader Joe’s on October 18, 2013 in Pinecrest, Florida. Trader Joe’s opened its first store in South Florida. They eventually expanded into Sarasota, then Tampa and St. Pete.
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)When Trader Joe's first came to Tampa, police were needed to control the traffic. Eventually a second location on the Pinellas side in St. Pete opened. It's still always packed so if a third Tampa Bay area location was to open, where should it be? Tarpon Springs residents are waiving their hands in the air, but Trader Joe's just don't care.
That's not true actually. In a statement to the Tampa Bay Times, the grocery chain says they're "happy to hear that we are wanted." Over 600 signatures have been added to a petition to bring Trader's to Tarpon Springs. But Trader Joe's says there are no plans to open another TJ's in the land of sponges... or anywhere else around here for that matter.
Trader Joe's does have one more Florida location coming - but that's down in Miami. The Morning Call writes that Trader Joe's has specific criteria an area must meet before they take a chance on it. They look at things like household incomes in the area, population, and what the labor market looks like. I'd bet Tarpon Springs meets the income requirements, but the population density that Trader Joe's looks for might not be there. [Sources: The Morning Call, The Tampa Bay Times]
Our Q105 digital goddess Rachel snapped pics of her favorite TJs finds last month for Christmas at the Tampa Trader Joe's.
13 Trader Joe's holiday items to try this season!
If you haven't been to Trader Joe's lately, you need to go, like yesterday. They have so many items that scream "HOLIDAYS."
Some/most of the Trader Joe's holiday items are seasonal, so you have a very short window to get them.
In order to navigate Trader Joe's successfully, you need a strategy. It's always busy, so make a list and check it twice. Also, stick to the list if you make one. There are always so many tempting items that you want to just add to your cart. Here are some suggestions to help you narrow down what you need to purchase. These 13 items range from spices for your pantry to thoughtful gift ideas!
If you have never been to a Trader Joes there are a couple staple items you must check out. Like the Jicama Wraps - perfect for a low-carb lifestyle. I use mine as taco shells for Taco Tuesday! Cauliflower Gnocchi - I like to take them out of the bag (still frozen) and sauté them in some pesto with lots of pepper! The OG Everything But The Bagel Seasoning Blend - I put this on just about everything, avocado toast, sandwiches, in pasta and I have even tried it on ice cream. I would be remiss if I also didn't include Unexpected Cheddar - perfect for a charcuterie board or on top of anything really, this cheddar has crunchy bits of parmesan cheese and it's under $5! This cheese is so popular TJ has even made spin-offs of different items like a shredded version and an Unexpected Cheddar Broccoli Soup!
Scroll down to see our list of 13 Trader Joe's holiday items you need to try!
Eggnog Everything
Full octane Eggnog, lite Eggnog, Oat Milk Eggnog and even Eggnog yogurt! Basically, if you can "nog it" trader Joe's did it.
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Here We Come A‐Wassailing
You can serve it over ice for the kids or over ice with bourbon or warm it up for a hot treat!
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*Please drink responsibly
Bend and Ginger Snap
It's not just a regular ginger snap, the cookies have chunks of ginger, too!
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Up Your Drink Game
These rolled wafer cookies with hazelnut, chocolatey orange, cocoa, and cookies and cream filling make a great drink garnish! They also make a great hostess gift.
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Move Over Patty
A must for the holidays and a great neighbor gift!
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Dance of the Sugar Plum Beverage
A great non-alcoholic option for holiday celebrations.
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Truffles!
Truffles are delicious anytime of the year. If you don't want to shell out the money for actual truffles or use truffle salt, this Truffle Powder Seasoning is a great option. It's a seasonal item so it won't be around for long. I may have bought two on this trip to make it though the year. I like to add this to the crusts of my homemade pizza.
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No Bake, Just Wrap
If you are running out of time to bake cookies, pick up a couple boxes of these and repack them in a cookie tin or gift bag!
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The Best Part of Waking Up
Up your coffee game over the holidays with Trader Joe's Wintery Blend and their Gingerbread Coffee.
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Roasting on an Open Fire
Nothing says holidays more than chestnuts. I mean they are even mentioned in one of the most famous Christmas songs of all time.
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Last Minute Gift Idea
Who doesn't love a candle, especially a candle sampling of holiday scents! Plus, you can't beat the price!
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You Had Me at Glitter
Add a bit of holiday cheer with this tabletop greenery, sprinkled with silver glitter!
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Mix It Up This Season
Try this Brewed Ginger Beer in a mocktail mixing it with orange juice for a holiday spin on a mimosa.
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*Please drink responsibly
