MERIDIAN TWP. — Cynthia Sarver and her husband, John, were longtime fans of Trader Joe's, and like so many Lansing area residents, waited years for the national chain to open a store in the region.
Even though Cynthia, who was an academic advisor for engineering students at Michigan State University, died before the long-awaited store opened in Meridian Township Friday, John, who still lives in Meridian Township, felt like he needed to be on hand for the grand opening Friday.
"We said if they ever have a Trader Joe's here we're gonna be here opening day, if at all possible, so we are maintaining our promise to each other," said Nolan Singleton, a friend of the Sarvers.
John and two of the couple's friends tailgated in the parking lot of the Hobby Lobby store next door: With them was a framed picture of Cynthia dancing with her two kids, and a spread of charcuterie and chardonnay — items she enjoyed from the franchise that has a strong following.
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With shoppers arriving early for the store's opening day, a line quickly formed stretching across the parking lot at 2755 Grand River Ave. Now the ninth Trader Joe's in Michigan, the Hawaiian-themed grocery store attracts an audience for its quality food, customer service and reasonable prices.
"Glad it's finally here, seriously, I've been waiting for 20 years," said East Lansing local, Janice Norton, 73.
She waited toward the front of the line for the famous Trader Joe's hash browns - a fan favorite according to the 2024 customer choice awards . Norton favors Trader Joe's over other grocery stores because of the customer service, especially when it comes to returning products without a fuss.
Further back in the line, Sydney Boersma, 23, of Haslett, was eager to purchase the Trader Joe's peanut butter cups. Boersma has been a loyal shopper for the unique selection and calming atmosphere.
"It's a nice little comfort place," Boersma said.
Once the doors opened at 9 a.m., shoppers filled in and crew members gifted them a Trader Joe's shopping bag.
The first to enter, Joan Smith, 86, and her daughter, Melissa Lezotte, 59, of Holt, arrived at 5:45 a.m. with chairs anticipating the wait. Smith said she admires how enthusiastic and knowledgeable Trader Joe's employees are on their products and felt compelled to witness the ribbon cutting ceremony. The duo often shop at Trader Joe's together either in Grand Rapids or Detroit, so they are excited to have a Trader Joe's close to home.
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"The special part about this one is the crew members we found in this area," said store captain, Mike McGinnis, who took a brief break from a harried morning to speak with the State Journal. "The energy, the excitement, the passion they have for helping people has been amazing."
McGinnis added that he has hired 60 local residents to staff the store.
Next door, the parking lot of the Hobby Lobby was packed with vehicles as other drivers were parked on Northwind Drive.
"We are happy to have them in the neighborhood," said Hobby Lobby Manager Chelsie Shank.
Contact Sarah Moore at SMoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: 'It's finally here:' Lansing area residents celebrate long-awaited opening of Trader Joe's
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