I went to the one in Hyannis last month with my sister, specifically because we needed some flowers and she said they always had the best (they were very nice). I walked around a bit, very small, some neat things, nothing that really caught my eye.

I lived in SoCal for 3 years about a dozen years ago. There was a TJ’s by my office and by my house. At first, I didn’t like TJ’s because I couldn’t buy everything I wanted and had to go to a Ralph’s or Albertson’s too.

Then, I began to appreciate it for healthy snacks, pick up something quick for lunch, or pick up nice food for when I entertained.

Now, there isn’t one convenient to me but I’ll still stop in one when traveling. For example, last summer I was in Central Coast California wine country and picked up healthy, unique snacks to stock my hotel room for the week. Also, picked up a case of bottled water for the rental car and hotel room (much cheaper than water at hotel).

I'm a fan.

Decently priced and good quality stuff. Not a huge place, and, yes, often filled with liberals, but I've always found there are plenty of normal folk who shop there, and I've shopped TJ's in 3 states and 6 different locations.

Their prepared/re-heat foods are quite good. Alcohol offerings are good too. Fast check out and I don't know if I've ever encountered a discourteous or unenthused staff member.

I used to make a regular trip of 60 miles, one-way, when I lived in NC.

All you need to know about TJ's is Triple Ginger cookies.

mmmm

Cheers~

I did not know my wife and I were pretentious hippies.

There's one far enough away that we only go there on occasion, but, when we do the cart usually gets loaded-up pretty well. If there was one closer by, we'd probably go more often.

They have this "Pound Plus" Belgian chocolate that's my favourite. They call it "Pound Plus" because it's a bit over a half kilo.

They have these Steak & Ale pies in the freezer section that aren't half bad. (They used to be better, though.)

I'm going to guess their pricing isn't outrageous, because, otherwise my wife would not shop there. E.g.: She loves Whole Foods' selection, but abhors their pricing, so she does not shop there.

They have some excellent little snacks.

For example, I bought some dark chocolate covered espresso beans from TJ's to keep on my office desk. Great for when I need a little pick-me-up throughout the long workday.

I get a few item there and the prices are fair.

Roasted Macadamia nuts
Dry roasted almonds
Raw almond butter
100% dark chocolate bars

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:
I don't shop there but I work there. ...

I'm lazy, I go to closest place and I got Wegmans, Costco, Giant, and Safeway all under five miles away, not work the extra few miles to me to go to them.

quote:

Originally posted by John Steed:

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:
I don't shop there but I work there. ...

I'm lazy, I go to closest place and I got Wegmans, Costco, Giant, and Safeway all under five miles away, not worth the extra few miles to me to go to them.

As a contractor making repairs.

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
I did not know my wife and I were pretentious hippies.

.... that's my favourite. ....

Ok boys, not only do we have a pretentious hippy on our board, I suspect he might be a British spy.

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
I did not know my wife and I were pretentious hippies.

.... that's my favourite. ....

Ok boys, not only do we have a pretentious hippy on our board, I suspect he might be a British spy.

Day-um! Busted

quote:

Originally posted by 380Swift:
It's the pretentious person's grocery store.

On the upside, it's a good place to go if you want to find unique stuff.

First I am a Deplorable and now I am Pretentious?

Trader Joes is only place we shop. Good wholesome healthy food and some very unique to TJ products.

There is a guy who reviews TJ products, I think it is called 'Exploring Trader Joes' good way to get an idea on TJ products.

The Organic Vegetarian chili is to die for. Guarantee you won't be disappointed in this chili.

quote:

Originally posted by slyguy:
All you need to know about TJ's is Triple Ginger cookies.

mmmm

Cheers~

I would challenge you by mentioning Candy Cane Joe-Joe's (similar to Oreos but with peppermint filling and bits of candy cane) as being superior, but they are only available once a year. So, yes, folks need to be aware of the ginger cookies as well.

BTW, y'all, if there is a snack you would like to try before buying, just ask an employee and they will generally open anything for sampling.

quote:

Originally posted by Mr.9mm:
2 Buck Chuck. All you need to know.

It's really now 3 buck chuck. Still the best deal in wine going.

I went to a Trader Joe's a few times. They have some very interesting frozen meals and desserts. Everything else was kind of lackluster. A small store. Nothing that gave me a reason to ever go back. My same sentiments as Aldi.

I shop at Publix supermarket (primarily), Costco, and The fresh Market (once in a long while) and a specialty grocery store called Josephs classic market.

quote:

Originally posted by Balzé Halzé:
Great for when I need a little pick-me-up throughout the long workday.

Those have helped me along when I've faced a long drive.


Funny to see those responses who're unimpressed or, looking for reasons not to shop...I guess over-the-top marketing and faux displays are what motivates you. The whole point of TJ's is to strip away all the fluff and focus on what matters: good food and solid service.

quote:

Originally posted by RAMIUS:
I love Trader Joe’s!

Pretty sure Aldi owns them.

“Theodor Paul "Theo" Albrecht (German: [ˈalbʁɛçt]; 28 March 1922 – 24 July 2010)[1] was a German entrepreneur, who in 2010 was ranked by Forbes as the 31st richest person in the world, with a net worth of $16.7 billion.[2] He owned and was the CEO of the Aldi Nord discount supermarket chain. In the US he owned the Trader Joe's specialty grocery store chain. His brother Karl Albrecht owned the Aldi Süd discount supermarket chain. The two chains originally were a single family enterprise until a friendly division of assets in 1960. Aldi Süd operates the Aldi groceries in the United States. Aldi and Trader Joe's, while owned by the brothers, have separate and distinct ownership and operations…”

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theo_Albrecht

quote:

Originally posted by Pipe Smoker:
TJ’s has some tasty frozen East Indian entrees that I like.

Trader Joes does a great job with their frozen Indian items. Their Chicken Tikka Masala ($3.49) and Butter Chicken entrees are some of the best frozen foods I've eaten, close to restaurant quality, along with their frozen garlic naan. Inexpensive stuff.

I usually have 1 or 2 of their Marghretta frozen pizzas on hand ($3.99), previously mentioned Mandarin Orange Chicken ($4.99), extra virgin olive oils, jumbo eggs, dijon mustard, better than Grey Poupon ($1.99), cashews, various styles of hummus, etc. We have a store less than 10 minutes away, go there at least a couple of times a month.

And yes, comparing the average TJ employee vs. a supermarket one, there is a considerable difference.

Trader Joe's Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip

Do I have your attention yet?

I like the place. They have some quirky items worth going there for including the dip mentioned above.

I also like their seasonings, and their habanero hot sauce is just the right mix of taste & heat.

I'm a fan and any blistered peanut lover that tries TJ's brand of bp will be too. There are always good looking women at the Louisville store and that's not a bad thing and the store employees all wear tropical shirts. Not nearly as expensive or lefty as Whole Foods.