TJ's is finally open!

TJ's opened Friday, but we were out of town. I promised myself I'd be the first one in the store on Sunday morning and I was. Beautiful store, well laid out with the fresh meat up near the front now just past the cheeses. It was the first time I was able to be in a TJ's by myself and really browse. I found so many things I did not see before at other stores in Sacramento or Chico. I loaded up on beautiful green beans, artichokes with the stems, a few convenience foods like baby back ribs in BBQ sauce, a marinated, boneless leg of lamb, all tied and ready to grill. I have my favorite vinegars, one is a Champagne Pear with blue cheese that is very tasty and an Orange Muscat vinegar. I love their salsas. I got a product called Tomato Starter, which a chef told me about, that is super tasty and the beginning of many Italian dishes. We'll see.
Of course, I had to get some Charles Shaw (two buck Chuck) which is vastly improved. The staff was well-trained and friendly without those annoying questions I always get at Raley's and Safeway...."So, how is your day going?" and "Do you have anything exciting planned for the day today?" As if I really want to tell the box girl/boy what my day plans are
I saw the store manager before the store opened working hard just like the rest of his staff. He was smiling at everyone, in the parking lot, and after a short employee, pump up the troops, meeting, the store opened with bright, shiny faces greeting us all.
Oh, I tried a boxed whole wheat pasta dish, with red sauce and baby meatballs, organic, low fat and 250 calories zapped in the micro for 90 seconds. A sprinkle of parm over the top and a a few lettuce greens tossed with a quick dressing and I had a very tasty lunch. My goal for TJ's is to find some commercial meals that are acceptable to us as far as flavor goes, for those days when I really do not want to mess with food. I really like the prepared meats I have tried so far, especially the lamb rack and roast. A baked spud and veggie or salad and we have a nice meal with little work.

Wish they move up this way!!

Wish they move up this way!!

The foodies in Redding worked on them for years, sending letters, and emails. Every time we visited a store in another city, we asked them to please come to Redding. It took a very long time, even the City wanted them here. They are in a very nice area, brand new and easy access. TJ's wants large parking lots, so RV'ers can park at the outer edges. They share a lot with Kohl's and it is huge. I think one of the reasons they finally came was our population and the fact that we now are a destination city with attractions worthy of a large amount of visitors.

I don't know that they really care about the parking issue. The one nearest to us has possibly the worst parking of any retail establishment of its size that I've ever seen. They've been trying to get one put into Davis, and the spot they've picked for it might actually end up being worse than the one in Sacto. That's actually the biggest knock against them here - there are times when you just don't want to deal with the parking lot. Glad to hear they've done better out by you.

I don't know that they really care about the parking issue. The one nearest to us has possibly the worst parking of any retail establishment of its size that I've ever seen. They've been trying to get one put into Davis, and the spot they've picked for it might actually end up being worse than the one in Sacto. That's actually the biggest knock against them here - there are times when you just don't want to deal with the parking lot. Glad to hear they've done better out by you.

Mike,
Are you referring to the one on Folsom Blvd. or the one on Marconi? I used to work near the one in (the city of) Folsom where there was ample parking, so I tended to stop there on the way home.

There is one in Long Beach on Atlantic that shares the parking lot with some take away restaurants and a Starbucks(if I remember correctly) and when one can find an empty parking place it is best to have a car with a short wheelbase and the ability to make wide turns otherwise you wind up going back and forth trying to get your car in the stall without hitting the cars or concrete burms around you.

I don't know that they really care about the parking issue. The one nearest to us has possibly the worst parking of any retail establishment of its size that I've ever seen. They've been trying to get one put into Davis, and the spot they've picked for it might actually end up being worse than the one in Sacto. That's actually the biggest knock against them here - there are times when you just don't want to deal with the parking lot. Glad to hear they've done better out by you.

Amen. The TJ parking lot here really sucks, and I dread going there.

I don't know that they really care about the parking issue.

From my experience they don't care. The one that I used to go to in Chicago had approximately one parking spot for every 15 customers in the store. The store that is now closest to me shares their tiny parking lot with a huge shopping mall. I have never found a spot in that lot. When I go to the one in San Rafael I have to park in a lot that is for a totally different mall and sprint across an incredibly busy street to get to the mall where the TJ’s is located. Getting back to the car carrying a case of wine and groceries is like a game of Frogger.

I don't know that they really care about the parking issue. The one nearest to us has possibly the worst parking of any retail establishment of its size that I've ever seen. They've been trying to get one put into Davis, and the spot they've picked for it might actually end up being worse than the one in Sacto. That's actually the biggest knock against them here - there are times when you just don't want to deal with the parking lot. Glad to hear they've done better out by you.

Mike,
Are you referring to the one on Folsom Blvd. or the one on Marconi? I used to work near the one in (the city of) Folsom where there was ample parking, so I tended to stop there on the way home.

There is one in Long Beach on Atlantic that shares the parking lot with some take away restaurants and a Starbucks(if I remember correctly) and when one can find an empty parking place it is best to have a car with a short wheelbase and the ability to make wide turns otherwise you wind up going back and forth trying to get your car in the stall without hitting the cars or concrete burms around you.

The one on Folsom Blvd is the one I was talking about. Now that the Italian Import Co. is closed (RIP ) one can use their parking lot without having Luigi threatening you with legal action or much worse. That helps but the fact is that TJ's parking situation there is abysmal.

The Marconi one isn't nearly as bad although I think that's largely due to the lack of business in the other stores in that mall.

The one on Folsom Blvd is the one I was talking about. Now that the Italian Import Co. is closed (RIP ) one can use their parking lot without having Luigi threatening you with legal action or much worse. That helps but the fact is that TJ's parking situation there is abysmal.

The Marconi one isn't nearly as bad although I think that's largely due to the lack of business in the other stores in that mall.

Sorry to hear abot the Italian Import Co. closing. I shopped there a few times. Problem was that I lived in Rancho Cordava and worked in Folsom so rarely went towards that part of the Sacramento metropolitan area. I know someone who lives just down Folsom Blvd. from that Trader Joes and said that after a few attemps at parking he will walk the fifteen minutes rather than drive so he does not have to deal with the parking situation.

The only ugly (and it was very poor, rude and bizzare service) I experienced in 20 years I have ever had at a Trader Joes was at the Folsom Blvd. store. That store had been open about six months and my wife and I went shopping there. We had 16 items and the person in front of us at the register was arguing about the price on every item. Finally after the price of every item was settled there was a problem with that person's debit card. Turns out it was the machine processing the cards. As we were also going to be paying with a debit card the cashier asked that we go to the next line and pointed to the line to her right. So there we waited for another 15 mintues and that cashier than yelled at us, because that was the experess lane for those with 15 items or less. I explained that I was asked to come to this line. The two cashiers began exchanging words and no one in management would address the issue even after we asked for the manager. My wife and I were told several times by other employees that we had to wait in line like everyone else(as if we had not already waited long enough). After the third request to speak to a manager and a denial to grant us our request we left. We never stepped foot in that Trader Joes again. Even after we return from Japan to Sacramento, I doubt we will ever shop there. We also sent a letter regarding the situation and it was never responded to.

I must be the only person left on earth who is not a TJ's fan. I had heard so much about them and I was so excited when we finally got one down the street. To make things even better (I thought), my hubby and I won about $300 in gift cards to TJs from a golf event we were in. Sadly, I found that there is not much selection at all of type of food that I buy. (I hardly ever--maybe never--buy anything pre-prepared or pre-marinated.) I tried a beautiful fresh package of patty pan and they were so bitter we couldn't eat them. I did find an absolutely wonderful Sicilian EVOO (our favorite region for it) but the next time I went back, they no longer carried it. I end up walking around in there aimlessly and just get frustrated. I'm still trying to use up the gift cards--last time, I bought a whole cart full of fresh flowers in preparation for a party. They were nice. Also, someone brought one of their frozen carrot cakes to one of our wine tastings and it was delicious. Also, someone from our book club served their hummus and it was outstanding. (Again though, I'm much more apt to make one from scratch...) Hate to be such a downer, Karen! Now, if a Fresh Market (not Fresh and Easy!) were to open around here, then I would get excited!

[Jenise]

The things you say are true, Carrie, you know I'm no prepared/packaged food buyer either, although I'm grateful these days for some of what they offer--their frozen Korean Bulgogi short ribs are like crack to us. Totally and immediately addictive. But in normal times, I don't shop there regularly. However, there are some things I occasionally need or want that in my town only they have. A type of pumpernickel style bread, for instance. Thick handmade corn tortillas. Fresh lavash flatbread. Microgreens. Dried slab apricots. All the other dried fruits and the selection of raw nuts. Their frozen English peas are the best I've ever had. Their Triscuit-style crackers are better than Triscuits--less salty and manufactured tasting. Good cheap olive oil. The best canned tuna I know of. Other things come and go, but these are the staples of my Trader Joe's purchases.

I must be the only person left on earth who is not a TJ's fan. I had heard so much about them and I was so excited when we finally got one down the street. To make things even better (I thought), my hubby and I won about $300 in gift cards to TJs from a golf event we were in. Sadly, I found that there is not much selection at all of type of food that I buy. (I hardly ever--maybe never--buy anything pre-prepared or pre-marinated.) I tried a beautiful fresh package of patty pan and they were so bitter we couldn't eat them. I did find an absolutely wonderful Sicilian EVOO (our favorite region for it) but the next time I went back, they no longer carried it. I end up walking around in there aimlessly and just get frustrated. I'm still trying to use up the gift cards--last time, I bought a whole cart full of fresh flowers in preparation for a party. They were nice. Also, someone brought one of their frozen carrot cakes to one of our wine tastings and it was delicious. Also, someone from our book club served their hummus and it was outstanding. (Again though, I'm much more apt to make one from scratch...) Hate to be such a downer, Karen! Now, if a Fresh Market (not Fresh and Easy!) were to open around here, then I would get excited!

Send me your cards; I'll use them for you.

Mea Culpa(!) Karen and other TJ's fans. My eyes have been opened.

I stopped into Trader Joe's yesterday while running some errands to pick up a bottle of citrus hand lotion that I had tried at a friend's house (great stuff) as well some skim milk and half & half since we were out. The plan was to swing by our local fish market afterward to get something to grill and serve along with leftover side-dishes from Memorial Day. Well, I did a quick browse through produce. Hmm. Persian cukes, Len likes those. Blueberries, only $2.99?? Then whole wheat pizza dough jumped out at me. That sounded good. All of a sudden I was choosing baby peppers and criminis, then over to cheeses and got some shredded quattro fromaggio. Dinner was now going to be a semi-healthy pizza. To heck with the fish. I tried some Arabiata sauce they were tasting. Mmm, that was good. I took a jar, even though we are only in CA for another week. I checked out the Korean Ribs Jenise is addicted to and had them in the cart until I came to my senses--I'm trying to clean out the freezer at this point, not add to it! They even had the Sicilian Olive Oil that we fell in love with but then couldn't get the time I had returned! Long story long, I headed to the register with a pretty full cart, and even had to pay real money beyond what was left on my gift card. (Sorry Larry!) I will look forward to making TJs one of my regular stops when we come back in the fall. You guys were right!

Ironically, they didn't have the lotion, but I did buy the citrus shampoo and conditioner and am looking forward to trying it.

P.S. Our TJ's parking lot is quite ample and nicely laid out. No complaints there.

I must be the only person left on earth who is not a TJ's fan.

Carrie,

I'm with you. I think the place has junk. The only 2 items I will buy there regularly are olive oil and raspberry or strawbery preserves. I think their meats, seafoods, sauces, desserts, pate's, cheeses, vegetables and breads are lousy.

The one I go to (Arlington/Lexington, MA.) is very close to a fabulous farm (Wilson Farm) and so I'd much rather pay a little more at Wilson's.

Carrie,

I'm with you. I think the place has junk.

Are you trying to tell us that a $1.99 bottle of California Merlot or a $5.99 bottle of Barolo are junk?

Are you trying to tell us that a $1.99 bottle of California Merlot or a $5.99 bottle of Barolo are junk?

Well, to be fair the TJ's I go to doesn't sell wine. MA. has some silly law that only X number of stores in a grocery store chain can sell wine but there's a TJ's in Cambridge where I bought some wine MANY years ago and I thought it all sucked. Anyone remember Two Buck Chuck (Charles Shaw)? Do they still sell that?

I wish more people thought TJ's sucked, so there wouldn't be so many in my way when I go there.

Yes, they do still sell Two Buck Chuck but I think it is only $2 on the coasts and $3 most everywhere else.

I wish more people thought TJ's sucked, so there wouldn't be so many in my way when I go there.

Larry,

I'm on thin ice with the Board Janitor so, for the record, I said the wines sucked. I didn't say that TJ's sucked.

LOL always interesting to read how different tastes are and how divergent are perceptions of the same place. The mark/goal of any successful operation is that they please more people than they displease, and on that basis, gotta think that TJ's is very successful.
Even though we have several to choose from near to me, you still gotta get there early in order not to get trampled.
One thing about TJ's that nobody's mentioned I believe has added to its success is their staff, at least out here, always friendly and helpful with no "attitude" like others have from their employees, and believe that starts from the top. The real "Trader Joe" used to do their commercials and came off as a nice guy, so assuming that he is, that got translated to his organization.
Anyway, am a fan and anticipate remaining one.

All please note that my most recent post cited a very good experience at TJs and I will definitely return!

I wish more people thought TJ's sucked, so there wouldn't be so many in my way when I go there.

Larry,

I'm on thin ice with the Board Janitor so, for the record, I said the wines sucked. I didn't say that TJ's sucked.

Correction noted. Any trouble and I'll put in a good word for you, FWIW*.

*My cousin thought TJ's sucked after she went there on my recommendation. "People go there just for the booze." Then her daughter recommended it. Now my cousin is a huge fan. So much for my good word.

[Jenise]

One thing about TJ's that nobody's mentioned I believe has added to its success is their staff, at least out here, always friendly and helpful with no "attitude"

Good thing to note, and yes that's so true. The manager of the Bellingham is from the San Fernando Valley. He was selected about a year before the store opened and was moved up here with his family, getting his kids into local schools at the beginning of the school year and giving him ample time to put together his team and oversee the completion of construction. He told me, and I was impressed by this, that the Trader Joe's organization felt this was imperative to their success--bringing in someone steeped in the TJ's culture but at the same time someone with a young family who would integrate into and become a permanent part of this community. He hired all 20-somethings, and they all wear aloha shirts. I can't remember if they all wore Aloha shirts in California (like, there, who would notice?) but here it gives the whole store a nice, laid-back vibe.

The Trader Joe's I miss though is the local chain who had all these close outs on really cool wines at dirt cheap prices. I remember buying about five cases of Pat Paulsen's wines, for instance. When he sold his winery, TJ's picked up all the surplus product.

That is exactly what they did in Redding, Jenise. Our store manager came from Chico, a university town, 90 minutes from here. He came up early, found a home in Cottonwood, a little western town 15 minutes south, got his family settled, and was here long before the store opened. The 20 * age group are a bunch of cheerful, well-trained and knowledgeable young people. I especially am fond of a beautiful, black girl with the biggest dimples and prettiest teeth I have ever seen. Her smile just never stops, nor does her cheerfulness.

By the way, how does one adjust the font on this site? Going to Page does not work for me and the font is tiny.