Plano Trader Joe's grand opening (Greenville: college, closing, organic)

[Johnhw2]

Originally Posted by synchronicity

I will likely avoid TJ's for the first month or so it's here. It's been so hyped that you just know it'll draw giant foodie crowds (kinda like how the In-N-Out were packed initially).

One of the things TJ's has that people haven't mentioned is a good "specialty cheese" selection. They have bries and Port Salut at very reasonable prices (they also have Parmigiano-Reggiano, but I prefer to get that in giant wedges from Costco). They also have some pretty good baguettes there, and cheap table water crackers.

Agree that the packaged stuff is quite good and very interesting (and reasonably priced, TJ's is a subsidiary of Aldi's), the produce, notsomuch, milk/eggs/meats are fine but nothing outstanding IMHO. If they have frozen seafood at prices similar to Chicago I'll be very excited (scallops are ludicrously expensive here in DFW).

Bottom line - it's a great store to have as PART of your grocery shopping itinerary, but is not a one-stop destination.

This matches my understanding of the role they fill. Consumer Reports rated them as the number 2 national grocery store with Costco at around number 5. So between these two and periodic trips for things not found at either, we should be happy with the options and I understand their pricing is good too as in the wine and beer mentioned above.

My only trip to TJ's was when I got my third puppy from a Scottsdale breeder. The last one, a very small russian bichon known as a bolonka was under 2 pounds as a puppy when the breeder had me come get her. Sasha as we call her, would only eat TJ's house brand chicken dog food, so I made my one and only trip to get a number of cans to take back with me to Tx.

[Souleiado]

Originally Posted by asubram3

Will Trader Joe's take away customers from Whole Foods, especially if they are located right across the street from each other?

Yes and no. Like somebody else already said , TJ cheese selection is great and cheaper than WF, WF has been a hit and miss in recent years, but they are making some efforts. In the dry food department , it will show some losses for WF, TJ has a great selection of mix rice beans and basic staples like olive oil, Verona chocolates at half price . Same things for their frozen foods, TJ has products that I have not seen in any stores, especially their French pastries and seafood are excellent and cheap.
Where WF is really lacking in the last few months is their bakery . They have lost their bakery in Dallas and since they are looking for a new one without success. All their breads right now are crappy and low quality , everything is done in Houston and send frozen to the stores in the metroplex.
I stopped buying bread there a while ago , Central Market is the only good place left for bread right now . I had bread from TJ that was much better than what WF is offering right now , they need to act fast.
The big attraction also for TJ is their large selection of soaps, shampoo and other natural beauty products far cheaper than WF.
For things like produce , meats and fresh seafood, WF has better products and won't loose much customers.
Both stores will do well.

[SunnyTXsmile]

Originally Posted by synchronicity

I will likely avoid TJ's for the first month or so it's here. It's been so hyped that you just know it'll draw giant foodie crowds (kinda like how the In-N-Out were packed initially).

One of the things TJ's has that people haven't mentioned is a good "specialty cheese" selection. They have bries and Port Salut at very reasonable prices (they also have Parmigiano-Reggiano, but I prefer to get that in giant wedges from Costco). They also have some pretty good baguettes there, and cheap table water crackers.

Agree that the packaged stuff is quite good and very interesting (and reasonably priced, TJ's is a subsidiary of Aldi's), the produce, notsomuch, milk/eggs/meats are fine but nothing outstanding IMHO. If they have frozen seafood at prices similar to Chicago I'll be very excited (scallops are ludicrously expensive here in DFW).

Bottom line - it's a great store to have as PART of your grocery shopping itinerary, but is not a one-stop destination.

About the cheese, that's very true. We got a honey goat cheese today for double the size of what you'd find at Giant at nearly half the price ($3.29 at TJ -- vs. $5.99 at Giant -- for double the cheese!).

[MagHy]

September 7 2012 is the opening in plano

[mSooner]

Cilantro Salad Dressing=Amazing

[knotquiteawake]

Originally Posted by MagHy

September 7 2012 is the opening in plano

Thanks, thats what I was coming back here to check up on.

[asubram3]

Well, it's this week! Anyone planning to visit and write a report?

[DitsyD]

Originally Posted by asubram3

Well, it's this week! Anyone planning to visit and write a report?

I was planning to be there Friday, but school meetings and a doctor's appointment will keep me from there. I do not want to fight the crowds over the weekend, so it will be next week before I can get there.

Will report back though.

[Souleiado]

Originally Posted by DitsyD

I was planning to be there Friday, but school meetings and a doctor's appointment will keep me from there. I do not want to fight the crowds over the weekend, so it will be next week before I can get there.

Will report back though.

Same for me , I will be there next Monday , I will avoid the crowds over the weekends , but I cannot wait , I bought some great bottles of wine for less than $8 back in July in Chicago.

[BigDGeek]

Originally Posted by asubram3

Well, it's this week! Anyone planning to visit and write a report?

Not me, I'll wait for the hubub to die down. Maybe I'll make it there by 2013.