View Full Version : What's the deal with Trader Joe's?
I had to drive through Denver this afternoon, and my wife asked to stop at Trader Joe's. I've never been to one before, though I have enjoyed their annual beer.
Trader Joe's is like Whole Foods on estrogen. I have never seen so many scrawny hippies and metro-sexuals (is that still a term?) in one place in my life. Though, some of the females were quite attractive. At least the ones that appeared to have bathed, did not have dreadlocks, and did not have a face full of tackle. The men were, well, frail.
I felt like I was in another world. My wife tried to keep my attention on shopping for something or another, but I couldn't stop looking around at the aliens in wonder.
We left with a couple of bags of stuff, and a few new beers to try. I doubt I will be returning, it was very uncomfortable.
Not sure.
I don't remember ever purchasing free-range, cage-free, organic, hormone-free, cruelty free bean dip at the Commissary, so I don't really have a reference.
The beer was cheaper than I expected.
They did not carry Oban Scotch or Mr Husong's Tequila, so I'll pass.
Trader Joe was one of the place my family shopped once in a while.
Their bread, produce didn't last more than 3 days in Los Angeles.
In a good sense, I guess there are less preservatives. It is not for me.
Madeinhb
03-25-2014, 02:05
It's a California chain and being from California trader joes is awesome. Haven't been to the one here yet. Not sure if they carry the same things here as in Cali. Most people in Cali who shop there are surfers or very attractive women.
I have not been to the new local stores but i have had beer, wine and snacks from stores in other states and thought it was pretty good. Can they even sell that stuff here with our 3.2% laws? I am in no rush to get in there but for the price it was good stuff.
I've not been to the ones here.
I grew up with one just a few miles from my house, and when I moved out on my own, it was probably where I did most of my grocery shopping not because it was cool or hip, but it was CHEAP compared to the other local markets. It was a staple for me as a young adult who didn't make much money. The draw of Trader Joe's was they had lots of good food/beer for cheap. They were one of the first in the area (I'm talking 70s) that had fresher "food to go" like the deli cases and different as opposed to your standard potato salads, cold fried chicken… They had cheap beer that didn't taste like cheap beer. For what you'd pay for Lucky Lager or Mickey's Big Mouth, you could try different beers from around the world, but mostly for me it was cheap/inexpensive. It was also the first place I ever saw/tried Cashew Butter and Almond Butter.
Yeah, I think in this day and age, there are so many markets like it or regular markets carry what they did, making it so that TJ's isn't as unique as it once was….
I'll probably hit one up for nostalgia's sake...
If you stop by, grab some bread and cookie butter. We munched the hell out of that stuff when we were on vacation last summer.
2 buck chuck. Used to bring cases back from Cali in the jet all the time! Wonder if it is that cheap any more?
very hippy, but they usually have some pretty good beers.
2 buck chuck. Used to bring cases back from Cali in the jet all the time! Wonder if it is that cheap any more?
very hippy, but they usually have some pretty good beers.
I think it's closer to three bucks now. I went to a wine tasting/fundraiser a few weeks ago and got to taste some of the cheap stuff from Trader Joes. It wasn't half bad. I'm not a wino, so I couldn't tell the difference between the cheap stuff and the expensive stuff.
ruthabagah
03-25-2014, 06:07
I like trader joes because they have good organic product and they are cheap! Their frozen and deli section is what makes me come back over and over again.... and the fact that the one down south is strategically placed on my way home from work make it easy to stop by and grab a few thing for me and the family. The one downtown, I avoid it like the flue: too many metro sexuals and hippies as you mentioned. Unfortunately the one I go to cannot sell alcoohol because of the retarded liquor law we have in this state.
hurley842002
03-25-2014, 06:18
You think the Denver trader Joes is bad, try the Boulder location. My wife is another California transplant, so it was like the second coming of Christ when they opened.
funkymonkey1111
03-25-2014, 06:18
and cookie butter. .
Sweet crap, my girlfriend came back with some of that stuff this weekend and it is tasty
the "deal" is that it's cheap
I think it's closer to three bucks now. I went to a wine tasting/fundraiser a few weeks ago and got to taste some of the cheap stuff from Trader Joes. It wasn't half bad. I'm not a wino, so I couldn't tell the difference between the cheap stuff and the expensive stuff.
Even for three bucks it is worth it. I would bring cases home for my mom. She would save throttles and now makes her own wine which is amazing! just for the bottles alone it was worth the price, the fact that there was alcohol in there was an added bonus.
Madeinhb
03-25-2014, 08:32
You think the Denver trader Joes is bad, try the Boulder location. My wife is another California transplant, so it was like the second coming of Christ when they opened.
Hahahaha as a Californian transplant this is funny. Wait until In N Out opens.
hurley842002
03-25-2014, 08:35
Hahahaha as a Californian transplant this is funny. Wait until In N Out opens.
Oh I hear about In n out almost daily lol.
kawiracer14
03-25-2014, 08:51
Oh I hear about In n out almost daily lol.
I'm IN-N-Out almost daily... but I don't think we're talking about the same thing.
osok-308
03-25-2014, 08:53
They have good beer and some great BBQ sauce as well. If I'm in Denver and need some BBQ sauce I would stop by, otherwise it's not worth the 30 minute trip for me.
I am currently writing this from California (visiting the wife's family) and In-n-out is the one thing California should definitely send to Colorado. Instead of left leaning voters.
Madeinhb
03-25-2014, 08:55
Oh I hear about In n out almost daily lol.
I miss In N Out. Great burger. If I had half a mil - I'd ask for a store here. If be rolling in money.
Madeinhb
03-25-2014, 08:56
They have good beer and some great BBQ sauce as well. If I'm in Denver and need some BBQ sauce I would stop by, otherwise it's not worth the 30 minute trip for me.
I am currently writing this from California (visiting the wife's family) and In-n-out is the one thing California should definitely send to Colorado. Instead of left leaning voters.
Not all of us who fled California and left voters. Lol.
newracer
03-25-2014, 09:08
I miss In N Out. Great burger. If I had half a mil - I'd ask for a store here. If be rolling in money.
You wouldn't get one. They are all owned by the family. They will be here but not for a while still. I just spent 7 days in Huntington Beach, had In-N-Out 6 times.
Haven't been to one here, but I stopped in one in Iowa once and they had some decent prices on beers and their produce wasn't terribly priced for organic.
Not sure what the big deal is about In n Out burgers. Went to one in Tucson last month and they were good, but not as good as some of the CA natives in my office would have you think.
tmleadr03
03-25-2014, 09:13
These are awesome.
https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRh9aW9MV2orZBdjDL7viD9N5QZvMLB0 dI1BuqnbUFfy3-UXEGD
osok-308
03-25-2014, 09:14
Not all of us who fled California and left voters. Lol.
Haha, I know, they're actually going to move out here too, they're active republicans and now we'll have four more voters for gun rights!
You wouldn't get one. They are all owned by the family. They will be here but not for a while still. I just spent 7 days in Huntington Beach, had In-N-Out 6 times.
day 4 out here and I've already had 4 double doubles!
I know its slightly off-topic, but I was an In-N-Out (the eatery! ;)) fan back in the day, talking late 70s again... And it wasn't necessarily cause it was fresher, but it was cheaper then even McDonalds...
Visited a couple years back and ate at one and wasn't impressed anymore. Another one of those that stood out in its time for being "innovative" or at least different than what was typical in SoCal... But now, so many places have taken a clue from that... Personally, I find Smashburger to be tastier...
Madeinhb
03-25-2014, 10:22
You wouldn't get one. They are all owned by the family. They will be here but not for a while still. I just spent 7 days in Huntington Beach, had In-N-Out 6 times.
Yes I know they are family owned. But there are some franchises. Also I grew up in Huntington Beach. Moved here 5 years ago. How'd you like it.
Madeinhb
03-25-2014, 10:25
day 4 out here and I've already had 4 double doubles!
Every time I go back and visit, In N Out is my first stop.
Madeinhb
03-25-2014, 10:26
I know its slightly off-topic, but I was an In-N-Out (the eatery! ;)) fan back in the day, talking late 70s again... And it wasn't necessarily cause it was fresher, but it was cheaper then even McDonalds...
Visited a couple years back and ate at one and wasn't impressed anymore. Another one of those that stood out in its time for being "innovative" or at least different than what was typical in SoCal... But now, so many places have taken a clue from that... Personally, I find Smashburger to be tastier...
For the price - I don't think there is a better burger.
"I spent nearly 90 minutes scouring the aisles with Warner, using our iPhones to Google the ingredients of dozens of products. Natural or artificial, the place is a preservative shit-show."
http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/the-current/eat-and-drink/Trader-Joes-Opens-in-Boulder-Colorado.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=facebookpost (http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/the-current/eat-and-drink/Trader-Joes-Opens-in-Boulder-Colorado.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=facebookpost)
osok-308
03-25-2014, 10:44
For the price - I don't think there is a better burger.
Could not agree more. Plus I don't feel like I'm going to die immediately after eating there (Mcdonalds and Burger King).
3 buck Chuck!!
The couple that I've been to, in Cali, had good deals on wine and beer. The last time I was in one there were a lot of prepared foods that didn't do much for me.
Heading to Boulder today. Maybe I'll stop in...
Circuits
03-25-2014, 11:06
There will be no good deals on booze, wine or beer in any of the Colorado stores except the flagship store in Denver. Silly Colorado liquor laws prevent more than one liquor license per company.
The other stores can at best offer 3.2 beer on a beer license.
funkymonkey1111
03-25-2014, 11:08
"I spent nearly 90 minutes scouring the aisles with Warner, using our iPhones to Google the ingredients of dozens of products. Natural or artificial, the place is a preservative shit-show."
http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/the-current/eat-and-drink/Trader-Joes-Opens-in-Boulder-Colorado.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=facebookpost (http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/the-current/eat-and-drink/Trader-Joes-Opens-in-Boulder-Colorado.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=facebookpost)
Just saw that article. Pretty interesting stuff. When I lived in CA, that's pretty much the only place I shopped because it was cheap
osok-308
03-25-2014, 11:09
There will be no good deals on booze, wine or beer in any of the Colorado stores except the flagship store in Denver. Silly Colorado liquor laws prevent more than one liquor license per company.
The other stores can at best offer 3.2 beer on a beer license.
Just another reason to get rid of some of our stupid laws. Why shouldn't I be able to buy full strength beer from the grocery store? They let you buy cigarettes that aren't "watered-down".
funkymonkey1111
03-25-2014, 11:20
Just another reason to get rid of some of our stupid laws. Why shouldn't I be able to buy full strength beer from the grocery store? They let you buy cigarettes that aren't "watered-down".
The liquor store lobby is quite strong
The liquor store lobby is quite strong
Exactly. If you could just buy liquor at the gas station or grocery store it would cut into their profits too much.
The liquor store lobby is quite strong
Yep.
The last thing they want is grocery stores to sell alcohol.
funkymonkey1111
03-25-2014, 11:35
Yep.
The last thing they want is grocery stores to sell alcohol.
The craft brewers stand with the liquor stores because they don't want to get shut out, figuring a grocery store would say sell 20 beers where something like davidsons or Lukas or applejack might sell 400
osok-308
03-25-2014, 11:35
The liquor store lobby is quite strong
I know that it is. I hate it though.
BladesNBarrels
03-25-2014, 12:26
There was commentary about Trader Joe's and Charles Shaw Winery during the Rose Parade last year. Trader Joe's wine business took off when they started carrying Charles Shaw wines and they tried to keep the price under $3 so they could still use the description of Two Buck Chuck.
Denver's closest location was Santa Fe, NM, for years. It was a great trip to run down to Santa Fe, spend the night, eat traditional New Mexican food in the Plaza de Santa Fe washed down with a good beer, and return with a trunk full of the wine.
Since 1990 Charles Shaw has been owned by Bronco Wine Company - No relation to the Denver Bronco's, but instead run by Fred Franzia, formerly with the Franzia Brothers, and nephew of Ernest Gallo. Reportedly the Bronco Wine Company was named after the football team at Santa Clara University where Fred went to school.
Prices are up too high to keep the term Two Buck Chuck, but it is still a good wine for a low price.
I haven't made the pilgrimage to the Denver store yet. I am still finishing off the 2007 vintage wine I picked up from Santa Fe. Shows what a serious wine drinker I am.
[Beer]
I am not fan of Oragnic. However, we did shop milk there. Went to one in 3rd and LaBrea. I think I went to Farmer's market ones few times? I don't recall Farmer's too well. Parking was horrible, and too many fake typical LA/Hollywood/Beverly Hill rich "huh huhhhh Grey puppon" liberal types of people rather than young attractive ones there.
Speaking of some "new" stores coming into different state and people getting hyped about it....
People in LA were acting just like people in CO who saw Trader Joes, when Chipole first came to Beverly Center around 2003. People were all lined up thinking it is the next best thing it happened to CA. LOL
People in LA were acting just like people in CO who saw Trader Joes, when Chipole first came to Beverly Center around 2003. People were all lined up thinking it is the next best thing it happened to CA. LOL
I find Chipotle to be worthwhile but fail to grasp what the hype on Trader Joes is, I went to have a look: the store appeared to be 75% TV dinners and other hyper-processed foods.
There were some dog treats that caught my eye on my visit to Trader Joes and being leery of any edibles from China, I called the maker listed on the package and they would not tell me the country of origin for the contents of their dog treats. That gave me all kinds of warm fuzzy feelings...
USMC_5-Echo
03-25-2014, 12:39
Not sure.
I don't remember ever purchasing free-range, cage-free, organic, hormone-free, cruelty free bean dip at the Commissary, so I don't really have a reference.
The beer was cheaper than I expected.
They did not carry Oban Scotch or Mr Husong's Tequila, so I'll pass.
My wife always tries to bribe me to go there with her. Having grown up near Portland I had more than my fill of hippies and can't stand that place. The only way I found that I could stand it was after a six pack but even then I was on edge.
Sounds like a good place to wear your Anti-Obama shirt.
I find Chipotle to be worthwhile but fail to grasp what the hype on Trader Joes is, I went to have a look: the store appeared to be 75% TV dinners and other hyper-processed foods.
There were some dog treats that caught my eye on my visit to Trader Joes and being leery of any edibles from China, I called the maker listed on the package and they would not tell me the country of origin for the contents of their dog treats. That gave me all kinds of warm fuzzy feelings...
I would agree, because we have tons of substitute of Trader Joe's. Sprout (Sunflower's), Whole Foods (Wild Oats), Alfafa's, and others.
I was more excited when Washington Mutual and JPM came to CO.
newracer
03-25-2014, 13:52
Yes I know they are family owned. But there are some franchises. Also I grew up in Huntington Beach. Moved here 5 years ago. How'd you like it.
I am pretty sure there are no franchises. My uncle has managed a location for several years now. If he could get his own store he would have by now.
We had a great time in HB. We rented a house on 14th Street less than 2 blocks from the beach. I lived in the area until I was 13.
Went there today it was a zoo but there is quite a bit of talent walking around
Madeinhb
03-25-2014, 14:30
I am pretty sure there are no franchises. My uncle has managed a location for several years now. If he could get his own store he would have by now.
We had a great time in HB. We rented a house on 14th Street less than 2 blocks from the beach. I lived in the area until I was 13.
Must have changed that. I knew a few franchises back in the mid to late 90's.
Madeinhb
03-25-2014, 14:31
I am pretty sure there are no franchises. My uncle has managed a location for several years now. If he could get his own store he would have by now.
We had a great time in HB. We rented a house on 14th Street less than 2 blocks from the beach. I lived in the area until I was 13.
A fellow HB local here in CO. Who would have thought haha
hurley842002
03-25-2014, 14:32
I am pretty sure there are no franchises. My uncle has managed a location for several years now. If he could get his own store he would have by now.
I'm pretty sure you are correct. A buddy and I looked into it, and there are no franchise opportunities.
spqrzilla
03-25-2014, 14:53
I actually like some of their frozen foods. Like their frozen beef tamales. Their alcohol is well priced - especially around here where the "discount" liquor stores aren't. Only the Denver store on Colorado and 8th has liquor. The other two locations (currently, I think I saw something about a Colorado Springs location next year) do not because of Colorado's ridiculous liquor laws.
newracer
03-25-2014, 17:15
A fellow HB local here in CO. Who would have thought haha
I never lived right in HB. Born in Orange, lived in Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Capistrano Beach, and San Clemente. We moved a lot.
Madeinhb
03-25-2014, 17:44
I never lived right in HB. Born in Orange, lived in Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Capistrano Beach, and San Clemente. We moved a lot.
Close enough. Haha. I miss the beach, weather, family and friends but that is it. Paid too much taxes, cost of living sucks. My friend might be moving out here from California (don't worry he has guns and votes our way)
ZERO THEORY
03-25-2014, 17:46
So there are attractive women there? I'm in. What are the bleeding heart guys gonna do? Fight me for 'em?
"I spent nearly 90 minutes scouring the aisles with Warner, using our iPhones to Google the ingredients of dozens of products. Natural or artificial, the place is a preservative shit-show."
http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/the-current/eat-and-drink/Trader-Joes-Opens-in-Boulder-Colorado.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=facebookpost (http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/the-current/eat-and-drink/Trader-Joes-Opens-in-Boulder-Colorado.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=facebookpost)
Finally got a chance to read the article. Doesn't surprise me. Cheap food is cheap food. Dress it up however you want.
A lot of that article is some liberal food snob's opinions. The ingredients she's whining about are simple, safe, and been used for ages. Their chemical names apparently frighten her.
The answer: "It's 100-percent natural," insisted Kerrie. "Like the sulfur dioxide you get from volcanoes." So, like the crude oil you find underground?
Yeah, out of the ground...like potatoes and other vegetables you moron. You can get some things that are natural that can help you...or kill you.
Ooh, trisodium citrate. A salt made from citric acid that has a tart flavor. It's not the boogie man. She can go suck on a lemon.
Better stay away from dihydrogen monoxide, twit.
A lot of that article is some liberal food snob's opinions. The ingredients she's whining about are simple, safe, and been used for ages. Their chemical names apparently frighten her.
Yeah, out of the ground...like potatoes and other vegetables you moron. You can get some things that are natural that can help you...or kill you.
Better stay away from dihydrogen monoxide, twit.
But Google said they are all evil...
So there are attractive women there? I'm in. What are the bleeding heart guys gonna do? Fight me for 'em?
You may have to fight some of those guys off of YOU.....
newracer
03-25-2014, 22:54
Close enough. Haha. I miss the beach, weather, family and friends but that is it. Paid too much taxes, cost of living sucks. My friend might be moving out here from California (don't worry he has guns and votes our way)
The only thing I miss is the beach.
I spent a few of my early years living in OC. Spent many a day body surfing at Laguna Beach, can remember playing soccer in the fog at Dana Point...
Better stay away from dihydrogen monoxide, twit.
Responsible for the most deaths in history over any other chemical if I remember correctly.
See if Trader Joe's is right for you:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/trader-joes-or-whole-foods/2014/03/21/33a0232e-b144-11e3-95e8-39bef8e9a48b_graphic.html
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.