File photo.
Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesMarch 15, 2024 Update:
Much closer to home for many of us, today Trader Joe's announced they will open in Palm Harbor. This will be the chain's second Pinellas location.
Original story from May 2023:
Trader Joe's is finally opening another Florida location. But for many of us, it's not close enough. When Trader Joe's first opened locations in the Tampa area few years ago, it was so busy that police were needed on scene to direct traffic. Sarasota was first to get a Trader Joe's. Grand openings soon followed in Tampa and St. Pete. But since then, nothing.
It's been a surprise to many Trader Joe's fans that the chain stopped at only two locations here in the Tampa area. Parking lots are always nearly full. The aisles are always crowded. Trader Joe's is clearly popular enough to add more stores in the Tampa area.
Well, they will. Sort of. Trader Joe's has announced they will open their next area store in Lakewood Ranch near Sarasota. This University Park location will be at 8473 Cooper Creek Blvd according to their website. So far there's no word of when the location will open.
Where would YOU put the next Traders location in the Tampa area? To me, Clearwater seems to be a no-brainer. And I'm sure they'd do well in Pasco or over in Brandon too. Tweet your thoughts to where they should open next @GenoRadio and I'll include your comments below.
Other Florida Trader Joe's locations that are open now include Boca Raton, Coral Gables, Davie, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Miami, Naples, Orlando, Palm Beach, Pembroke Pines, Tallahassee, Wellington and Winter Park.
Trader Joe's die hard fans and customers have revealed their favorite products for 2023. For the 14th year, Trader Joe's released their Customer Choice Awards. They asked shoppers to pick their favorite item across nine categories: overall, beverage, cheese, entrée, household, produce, snack, sweet/dessert, and vegan/vegetarian. Surprisingly, the viral sensation Mandarin Orange Chicken, was not on the list! Here's the most popular products that Trader Joe's customers love.
You won't find the Mandarin Orange Chicken on this list because TJ retired it. Five other products that made the list in previous years have also excluded. The Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets, Unexpected Cheddar, and Soy Chorizo are also living in retirement. To find their answers on their most popular products, Trader Joe's asked shoppers the important question:
If you were to spend the rest of your life on a deserted island, which nine Trader Joe’s products would you take with you?
The company had over 18,000 customers respond! Here's what made their favorite list. You can find these products at the Tampa or St. Pete Trader Joe's location.
Best Overall: Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
These spicy little scrolls made from stone ground corn masa that is cut, rolled, and fried to a captivating crunchiness—then generously dusted with hot chili & lime flavored seasoning.
Runner up:
TJ's Hashbrowns
Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings
Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend - We use this on EVERYTHING (no pun intended)
4 Chocolate Croissants
Best Beverage: Sparkling Honeycrisp Apple Juice Beverage (Seasonal)
This is a three-ingredient blend of 100% Honeycrisp apple juice, water, and bubbles. Too bad it's not on the shelf year-round.
Runner Up:
Triple Ginger Brew (seasonal)
Sparkling Peach Black Tea with Peach Juice
Sparkling Cranberry & Ginger Beverage (seasonal)
Non-Dairy Brown Sugar Oat Creamer
Best Cheese: Cheddar with Caramelized Onions
This full-bodied English cheddar is mixed with onion marmalade for a memorable, sweet-savory bite.
Runners Up:
Syrah Soaked Toscano
Baked Lemon Ricotta (seasonal)
Blueberry & Vanilla Chèvre
Brie (various)
Best Entrée: Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice
Trader Joe's has the best pre-made meals around. This is an authentic Indian recipe that's mildly spiced and partnered with delicate, fragrant grains of Basmati rice.
Runners Up:
Chicken Tikka Masala
Kung Pao Chicken
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese (seasonal)
BBQ Teriyaki Chicken
Best Household Item: Scented Candles
Who doesn't love a scented candle? Trader Joe’s Scented Candles are made with a paraben-free, soy-wax blend imbued with sweet fragrance and hand-poured into a portable lidded tin. They burn for up to 20 hours and have the best seasonal scents!
Runners Up:
Daily Facial Sunscreen
Ultra-Moisturizng Hand Cream
Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo & Conditioner
Shea Butter & Coconut Oil Hair Mask
Best Produce: Bananas
Trader Joe's Organic Bananas are an incredible value at 25¢ each, every day!
Runners Up:
Teeny Tiny Avocados
Honeycrisp Apples
Brussels Sprouts
Organic Carrots of Many Colors
Best Snack: Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
We already told you how delicious this snack is! It's perfect for picnics, beach days, work breaks, movie watching, and anything in between.
Runners Up:
Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers
Organic Corn Chip Dippers
World's Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs - OUR FAVORITE
Crunchy Curls
Best Sweet/Dessert: Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones
Each crunchy cone is lined with smooth chocolate and filled with creamy ice cream—then dipped in a rich, chocolatey coating.
Runners Up:
Danish Kringle (various)
Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches
Chocolate Lava Cakes
Brookie
Best Vegan/Vegetarian: Kale & Cashew Pesto
The most simple pesto recipe that's perfect for any vegan. Made with kale, cashew and basil. Add garlic to give it a little more flavor, or lemon juice to brighten it up.
Runners Up:
Vegetable Fried Rice
Beefless Bulgogi
Palak Paneer
Cauliflower Gnocchi
