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.

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

  • 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.

    Eggnog Trader Joes

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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! 

    Winter Wassail Trader Joes

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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!

    Ginger snaps Trader Joes

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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.

    Baton Lovers Quartet Trader Joes

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  • Move Over Patty

    A must for the holidays and a great neighbor gift!

    Peppermint Joe-Joes Trader Joes

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  • Dance of the Sugar Plum Beverage

    A great non-alcoholic option for holiday celebrations.

    Sugar Pulm Trader Joes

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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.

    Truffle Powder Seasoning Trader Joes

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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!

    Dark Chocolate Stars Trader Joes

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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.

    Winter Coffee Trader Joes

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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.

    Chesnuts Trader Joes

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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!

    Candle Tin Trio Trader Joes

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  • You Had Me at Glitter

    Add a bit of holiday cheer with this tabletop greenery, sprinkled with silver glitter!

    Glitter Tree Trader Joes

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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.

    Ginger Beer Trader Joes

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    *Please drink responsibly

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