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bubbaspeed Champion Author Wisconsin Posts:12,606 Points:2,437,590 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: Feb 12, 2006 8:57:03 PM Ignore bubbaspeed Report Abuse According to the Trader Joe's website, they will be opening soon in St. Louis Park. Any info on when they will be opening and if they will have a liquor/ wine department?

bubbaspeed

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Message Posted: Feb 12, 2006 8:57:03 PM

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According to the Trader Joe's website, they will be opening soon in St. Louis Park. Any info on when they will be opening and if they will have a liquor/ wine department?

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DI Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:13,823 Points:2,962,855 Joined:Apr 2001	Message Posted: Aug 10, 2009 10:35:58 PM Ignore DI Report Abuse An update on the Minnetonka Trader joe's: Finance & Commerce reports Trader Joe’s eyes old World Market site in Minnetonka: \|-- Trader Joe’s rapid expansion in the Twin Cities continues: The specialty grocer may take over a vacant Cost Plus World Market location at the West Ridge Market in Minnetonka. The city of Minnetonka has approved building permits for the Trader Joe’s project, said Julie Wischnack, community development director for the city of Minnetonka. Wischnack noted the permits have not been issued yet and said that the city council still needs to vote on an amended location for the retailer’s liquor license. Beer and wine sales are a staple of Trader Joe’s specialty grocery stores. Wischnack said it’s her understanding that the retailer hopes to be open in the fourth quarter. In addition to the four Twin Cities outlets it operates, Trader Joe’s previously pursued a site at Ridgedale Mall, where it planned to build a new store. --\| [Edited by: DI at 8/10/2009 11:37:47 PM EST]
ekelly7 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:15,180 Points:2,924,375 Joined:Oct 2001	Message Posted: Jul 5, 2009 8:59:31 AM Ignore ekelly7 Report Abuse not a fan of TJ
lorijean_drdick Rookie Author Twin Cities Posts:1 Points:120 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2009 2:40:35 PM Ignore lorijean_drdick Report Abuse Found the site while browsing to send a gift to family in Minnesota. Have had Trader Joe's here in Portland, OR for ages. A fun store, with unusual and hard to find items. Wines are a forte. Great selection, greater prices. Can find organics. The cheese selection is great. Many unusual ethnic canned and preserved foods. We love 'em.
DI Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:13,823 Points:2,962,855 Joined:Apr 2001	Message Posted: Jun 26, 2009 5:01:13 PM Ignore DI Report Abuse I passed by the newly opened St. Paul Trader Joe's earlier this afternoon. A quick glance seemed to indicate it was busy but, at that time, traffic was moving. However, an SPPW truck was in the middle of Lexington, apparently putting up signs/barricades to reinforce that there's no left turn from southbound Lexington into the parking lot (and possibly no left turn from the parking lot onto southbound Lexington).
DI Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:13,823 Points:2,962,855 Joined:Apr 2001	Message Posted: Jun 25, 2009 1:39:01 PM Ignore DI Report Abuse Jorgie writes "I know absolutely nothing about Trader Joe's. Any comments, good, bad or whatever?" Trader Joe's is basically an upscale version of ALDI — it's owned by the same German company that owns ALDI; like ALDI, it's heavy on private labels with a relatively limited selection. That may be an overly simplistic way to view it but that's how I do. Others have offered their opinion in this topic.
Jorgie Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:6,653 Points:1,829,845 Joined:Jul 2002	Message Posted: Jun 25, 2009 1:00:30 PM Ignore Jorgie Report Abuse I know absolutely nothing about Trader Joe's. Any comments, good, bad or whatever? jorgie
Jorgie Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:6,653 Points:1,829,845 Joined:Jul 2002	Message Posted: Jun 24, 2009 10:49:39 AM Ignore Jorgie Report Abuse Got a notice in the mail yesterday that the Trader Joe's on Lexington and Randolph is opening on the 26th.
WR-INC Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:30,912 Points:2,440,060 Joined:Dec 2002	Message Posted: Jun 23, 2009 4:32:03 AM Ignore WR-INC Report Abuse We went to the St. Louis Park location. What a nothing store.
DI Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:13,823 Points:2,962,855 Joined:Apr 2001	Message Posted: Jun 23, 2009 1:46:21 AM Ignore DI Report Abuse According to this 'CCO-TV story, Trader Joes in St. Paul will open on Friday, June 26.
TRC97 Man Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:9,868 Points:2,048,075 Joined:May 2001	Message Posted: Dec 30, 2008 9:55:51 AM Ignore TRC97 Man Report Abuse ekelly7, I don't know why this TJ would disappoint anyone! We shop there a couple of times a month, and always enjoy the experience. It is a bit small, and can be crowded at times, but the food selection and prices are great. On the liquor side, we found a very good bottle of Spatlese wine for $4.99; a terrific bargain!
ekelly7 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:15,180 Points:2,924,375 Joined:Oct 2001	Message Posted: Dec 30, 2008 7:26:59 AM Ignore ekelly7 Report Abuse Have been to TJ's in Woodburry, was disappointed.
goldieolds Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:2,378 Points:447,830 Joined:Sep 2007	Message Posted: Dec 30, 2008 6:15:08 AM Ignore goldieolds Report Abuse Hi Laxie, I hope it will settle down into one pattern for you after the construction is completed and the store opens, and everything settles down. I don't live near there, but I used to (W. 7th neighborhood) and drove by there all the time. I remember that intersection at Randolph can be really busy at rush hour. Now I live near the Crosstown - 35W reconstruction, so I can sympathize. It is different every time I drive through there, and if the weather is bad, or if it is dark, it can be really harrowing. The lighting isn't good, and the lane changes and curviness are all new and unfamiliar. I frequent the T.J. in St. Louis Park, and it can get very busy in the parking lot, but it doesn't seem to affect the main intersection there, at Excelsior Blvd. At least when I go, which is not usually at rush hour. Good luck!
4Petrol All-Star Author Twin Cities Posts:621 Points:920,585 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Dec 30, 2008 1:05:34 AM Ignore 4Petrol Report Abuse Laxie, I too live nearby. Just wait until they finally open and it is a Friday afternoon commute during the school year and it is snowing and maybe they have some special event.
Laxie Veteran Author Twin Cities Posts:272 Points:132,900 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Dec 29, 2008 10:45:25 PM Ignore Laxie Report Abuse The one at the corner of Lexington and Randolph is driving me crazy. I live near it and every time I go through there, they have changed traffic patterns. Some days you can turn on to 35E south, some days you can't. Sometimes you need to be in the right lane, then the next day the left one. I've seen traffic backing up beyond Edgcumbe. OK, I feel better now. ;-)
Cat07 Rookie Author Twin Cities Posts:8 Points:1,610 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Dec 29, 2008 12:08:38 PM Ignore Cat07 Report Abuse DI, You're awesome. Cat
DI Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:13,823 Points:2,962,855 Joined:Apr 2001	Message Posted: Dec 27, 2008 10:57:49 PM Ignore DI Report Abuse Cat07 mentions "I didn't find any recent news about Roseville or St Paul locations. Must be the economy." The St. Paul store (SE corner of Lexington and Randolph) is under construction — the building shell is up) and is scheduled to open in June. I don't recall there being any discussion of Trade Joe's in Roseville.
Cat07 Rookie Author Twin Cities Posts:8 Points:1,610 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Dec 27, 2008 6:53:41 PM Ignore Cat07 Report Abuse There are three stores right now: Woodbury 8960 Hudson Road Woodbury, MN 55125 Maple Grove 12105 Elm Creek Blvd. N. Maple Grove, MN 55369 St. Louis Park 4500 Excelsior Blvd. St. Louis Park, MN 55416 I didn't find any recent news about Roseville or St Paul locations. Must be the economy. [Edited by: Cat07 at 12/27/2008 7:56:03 PM EST]
Jorgie Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:6,653 Points:1,829,845 Joined:Jul 2002	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2008 6:13:20 PM Ignore Jorgie Report Abuse Thanks for all the info. The store on Lexington & Randolph didn't interest me very much until I started seeing all your comments.
goldieolds Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:2,378 Points:447,830 Joined:Sep 2007	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2008 3:34:21 AM Ignore goldieolds Report Abuse Forgot to mention that I hadn't know that TJs was planning a store for Rosedale until I read it here. And that prompted me to think that maybe the additional stores will take some customers from existing ones, and then they can cut quantity somewhat and add even more selections. Wishful thinking?
goldieolds Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:2,378 Points:447,830 Joined:Sep 2007	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2008 3:30:31 AM Ignore goldieolds Report Abuse I was at Trader Joe's Wed. before Thanksgiving, and found a couple of more things to make me even more grateful to have a TJ not too far away. I bought some tapioca pudding that is delicious. I don't know what prompted me to get it; it is not something I normally eat, but I liked it as a kid. I've tried it from grocery store delis a few times over the years and it was thin and way too sweet. This was just right: thick and creamy and just sweet enough. Then I spotted a box of made in France chocolate truffles and decided that would be just the thing to bring as an extra treat to the Thanksgiving dinner I'd been invited to. They are wonderful, inexpensive, and were a BIG HIT. Although, the chocolate truffles at Whole Foods might be a little bit better, they have gotten more expensive, so that was offset by the savings. Are people interested in sharing their Trader Joe's favs and finds?
DI Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:13,823 Points:2,962,855 Joined:Apr 2001	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2008 12:11:26 AM Ignore DI Report Abuse Mpls-St. Paul Business Journal reports General Growth's woes may delay Ridgedale Trader Joe's store. (General Growth owns some 200 malls, including Ridgedale Center, Eden Prairie Center, Knollwood Mall, Apache Mall in Rochester, Crossroads Center in St. Cloud, and River Hills Mall in Mankato.) OTOH, the St. Paul Trader Joe's is progressing. (I was surprised how close to Randolph the northern wall is.)
bubbaspeed Champion Author Wisconsin Posts:12,606 Points:2,437,590 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: May 11, 2008 11:20:01 AM Ignore bubbaspeed Report Abuse I guess this topic has taken a life of it's own since my original inquiry over 2 years ago... lol
ekelly7 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:15,180 Points:2,924,375 Joined:Oct 2001	Message Posted: May 11, 2008 7:32:32 AM Ignore ekelly7 Report Abuse TJ's, a lot of hype, not that impressed
DI Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:13,823 Points:2,962,855 Joined:Apr 2001	Message Posted: May 10, 2008 10:54:27 PM Ignore DI Report Abuse Canth mentions "I think its time to change the topic title to Trader Joe's in the twin cities." Unfortunately, there's no easy means to do that. In a few cases (like the old "Storm Chasing" topic which had evolved over time to be the place to discuss anything about weather), we started a new, more logically name topic ("Twin Cities Weather Talk"). It would be nice if we could delete the "in St. Louis Park" here but, since we can't and since "Trader Joe's" is prominent in the topic, we'll probably have to live with the name. (Hopefully, bridgejoe will do a better job of naming topics in the future. :-) )
Canth Rookie Author Minnesota Posts:11 Points:26,020 Joined:Feb 2003	Message Posted: May 10, 2008 10:07:48 AM Ignore Canth Report Abuse I think its time to change the topic title to Trader Joe's in the twin cities.
DI Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:13,823 Points:2,962,855 Joined:Apr 2001	Message Posted: May 10, 2008 12:35:11 AM Ignore DI Report Abuse I notice the Mach 1 store that currently occupies the southeast corner of Lexington & Randolph where the St. Paul Trader Joe's will go now has a "Moving Sale" sign up.
DI Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:13,823 Points:2,962,855 Joined:Apr 2001	Message Posted: Apr 30, 2008 11:11:41 PM Ignore DI Report Abuse If you're like me, you were wondering What's 'For Lease' at Trader Joe's site in St. Paul?
mckenzi01 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:14,876 Points:1,546,855 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Feb 2, 2008 4:46:54 AM Ignore mckenzi01 Report Abuse Because of prior zoning, it was probably cheaper.
DI Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:13,823 Points:2,962,855 Joined:Apr 2001	Message Posted: Feb 1, 2008 11:42:34 PM Ignore DI Report Abuse An article about the proposed Trader Joe's in the current edition of the Villager includes the following tidbit which I've not seen reported elsewhere: \|-- The site plan conditions recommended by the Zoning Committee include: • Extending the left-turn lane on westbound Randolph at Lexington. • Adding a left-turn signal at Randolph for vehicles traveling north on Lexington. • Widening Lexington south of Randolph by 6 feet by narrowing the boulevard on the east side from 12 to 6 feet, and adding a right-turn lane there for northbound Lexington and a left-turn lane on southbound Lexington for traffic entering the Trader Joe's parking lot. The lane would extend from Juno Avenue to 50 feet north of the parking lot entrance off of Lexington. • Retiming the traffic signals in all directions from Randolph and Lexington to improve traffic flow through the intersection. • [Several other items not related to traffic] --\|
rjgimp Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:5,105 Points:915,730 Joined:Oct 2003	Message Posted: Jan 28, 2008 8:13:31 PM Ignore rjgimp Report Abuse "I'm puzzled why, with many currently zoned retail sites available (e.g., the former Walgreen's near Snelling & Randolph), it was so critical that the Trader Joe's be located at Lexington & Randolph?"-DI Yup. Me too. There are lots of sites, some not far from the corner they have their eye on, that are already properly zoned. It doesn't seem to make much sense.
goldieolds Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:2,378 Points:447,830 Joined:Sep 2007	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2008 6:31:14 AM Ignore goldieolds Report Abuse As more Trader Joe's open, the traffic at each one goes down. The traffic at the St. Louis Park store is tamer now that more stores are open in other parts of the metro. The traffic at the new St. Paul won't be all that bad, I don't think. I used to live near there, and I would have liked to have the store back then.
mckenzi01 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:14,876 Points:1,546,855 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2008 4:47:06 AM Ignore mckenzi01 Report Abuse A good lesson in what money can buy!
DI Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:13,823 Points:2,962,855 Joined:Apr 2001	Message Posted: Jan 26, 2008 11:38:18 PM Ignore DI Report Abuse Trader Joe's gets another green light in St. Paul with the unanimous approval of the St. Paul Planning Commission.
DI Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:13,823 Points:2,962,855 Joined:Apr 2001	Message Posted: Jan 21, 2008 12:28:21 AM Ignore DI Report Abuse The PiPress's City Hall Scoop has an interesting scoop about a web site to help push the proposed Trader Joe's development through the St. Paul City Council. Strange that it neglects to mention anything about traffic.
mckenzi01 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:14,876 Points:1,546,855 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Jan 15, 2008 4:43:59 AM Ignore mckenzi01 Report Abuse It's what they do, DI.
DI Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:13,823 Points:2,962,855 Joined:Apr 2001	Message Posted: Jan 14, 2008 10:07:28 PM Ignore DI Report Abuse mckenzi01 mentions "City Councils seem compelled to let them do what they want, at any cost." I'm puzzled why, with many currently zoned retail sites available (e.g., the former Walgreen's near Snelling & Randolph), it was so critical that the Trader Joe's be located at Lexington & Randolph?
mckenzi01 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:14,876 Points:1,546,855 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Jan 14, 2008 4:27:39 AM Ignore mckenzi01 Report Abuse The "Trader Joe's" people seem to have an edge on convincing cities to allow them to build on small parcels in tight spaces. City Councils seem compelled to let them do what they want, at any cost.
DI Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:13,823 Points:2,962,855 Joined:Apr 2001	Message Posted: Jan 13, 2008 11:15:44 PM Ignore DI Report Abuse Jorgie wonders "won't they need a liquor license too?" Yes, as I posted on 11/22/2007 11:44:49 PM, "And the funniest thing is that Trader Joe's is placed where it is because, if it was closer to Lexington, it wouldn't meet the 0.5-mile distance requirement between off-sale liquor licensees." BTW, today's Joe Soucheray column is about Trader Joe's.
Jorgie Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:6,653 Points:1,829,845 Joined:Jul 2002	Message Posted: Jan 13, 2008 8:05:46 AM Ignore Jorgie Report Abuse Putting the Trader Joe's at Randolph and Lexington, in my humble opinion, is stupid! The traffic at that intersection is bad now, what will it be then. If Trader Joe's sells cheap wine won't they need a liquor license too? Of course no one ever accused the St Paul City Council of having brains.
DI Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:13,823 Points:2,962,855 Joined:Apr 2001	Message Posted: Jan 13, 2008 1:35:39 AM Ignore DI Report Abuse 4819244 wonders "what is trader joe" Simply put, Trader Joe's is the upscale, sister grocery store chain to ALDI. Besides each being owned by German brothers, each has a relatively limited selection of mostly private labeled merchandise — Trader Joe's at the high end; ALDI at the low end. And "why shop at joe's/" Because you love pulling your hair out in small, congested parking lots? :-)
4819244 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:16,476 Points:3,044,555 Joined:Jun 2001	Message Posted: Jan 12, 2008 2:05:23 PM Ignore 4819244 Report Abuse what is trader joe and why shop at joe's/
mckenzi01 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:14,876 Points:1,546,855 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Jan 12, 2008 4:34:09 AM Ignore mckenzi01 Report Abuse Oh goodie. Trader Joes in a residential neighborhood, at an intersectin of streets that are already near capacity. Should make for interesting traffic watching.
CostcoKid All-Star Author Minnesota Posts:686 Points:1,199,825 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Jan 12, 2008 12:54:07 AM Ignore CostcoKid Report Abuse they are great!! just like Costco....something new to the Twin Cities..try it you will like it!
DI Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:13,823 Points:2,962,855 Joined:Apr 2001	Message Posted: Jan 12, 2008 12:12:46 AM Ignore DI Report Abuse St. Paul City Council approves Trader Joe's store in Highland Park
DI Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:13,823 Points:2,962,855 Joined:Apr 2001	Message Posted: Jan 6, 2008 12:00:45 AM Ignore DI Report Abuse The PiPress's City Hall Scoop examines Horse trading for Trader Joe's. If their info is correct, there aren't enough votes for Trader Joe's rezoning to pass.
4Petrol All-Star Author Twin Cities Posts:621 Points:920,585 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Jan 3, 2008 10:42:33 PM Ignore 4Petrol Report Abuse This Pioneer Press link is a recent article about Trader Joes' St Paul plan.
DI Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:13,823 Points:2,962,855 Joined:Apr 2001	Message Posted: Jan 3, 2008 10:33:57 PM Ignore DI Report Abuse The PiPress wonders Will St. Paul Trader Joe's mean groovy groceries - and gridlock? but, editorially, they say Roll out the welcome mat.
Jorgie Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:6,653 Points:1,829,845 Joined:Jul 2002	Message Posted: Jan 3, 2008 8:02:43 AM Ignore Jorgie Report Abuse Traffic is lousy there now, but the City Council won't consider that.
DI Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:13,823 Points:2,962,855 Joined:Apr 2001	Message Posted: Dec 2, 2007 10:32:28 PM Ignore DI Report Abuse Those following the saga of the possible Trader Joe's in St. Paul might get a kick out of this. As you exit Ayd Mill at St. Clair (~0.5 mi. from the proposed Trader Joe's), there's a new billboard "Trader Joe's Now Open". I did a double take, wondering how that was possible -- until I noticed the "in Woodbury". :-)
DI Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:13,823 Points:2,962,855 Joined:Apr 2001	Message Posted: Nov 22, 2007 11:44:49 PM Ignore DI Report Abuse 4Petrol - I agree with everything you wrote BUT I think TOLD Development's involvement in the project may outweigh all of the above (or, actually, below). TOLD appears to have a track record with Trader Joe's by virtue of the SLP Trader Joe's. That's what made a believer out of me. The new issue of the Villager (Nov. 21) has an update on the project, including comments about the Planning Commission's approval of the rezoning request (13-1) and a copy of the site plan. Trader Joe's would be located in the far northwest corner of the property (abutting Randolph and the I-35E ramp) with parking between the building and Lexington. The second building would be on the northeast corner of Lexington and Juno with parking between it and I-35E. Additionally, there will be parking underneath Trader Joe's. Entrance/exit would be mid-block on Lexington and mid-block on Juno. (The latter really upsets those who live on the south side of Juno.) And the funniest thing is that Trader Joe's is placed where it is because, if it was closer to Lexington, it wouldn't meet the 0.5-mile distance requirement between off-sale liquor licensees.