Photo byScott WarmanonUnsplash

Trader Joe was a real person—Joe Coulombe. In the 1960s, he had a vision that became the genesis of what would grow into a national grocery chain bearing his name. According to a May 2022 CNN Business article:

…open a grocery chain to appeal to the small but growing number of well-educated, well-traveled consumers that mainstream supermarkets were ignoring.

Joe opened his first store in Pasadena, California in 1967. The company has since grown to nearly 600 stores across the US. Trader Joe’s is returning to its roots with plans for 4 new Southern California Markets

• Northridge—9224 Reseda Blvd—Opening TBD
• South Pasadena—1129 Fair Oaks Ave—Opening TBD
• Santa Clarita—19037 Golden Valley Rd—Opening TBD
• Sherman Oaks—14130 Riverside Dr—Opening TBD

The only indication on timing is this from the announcements:

Our Crew is working hard so we can open our doors in 2024.

Sprouts Farmers Market, the Phoenix based grocery chain which according to it’s website, operates with this philosophy:

And we knew that by focusing on farm-fresh produce and other healthy, affordable items, we could create a grocery experience where you didn’t have to be wealthy to eat healthy!

The company has plans for 3 new SoCal locations.

• Long Beach—**4600 E. Pacific Coast Highway--**Opening October, 11
• Studio City—Ventura Blvd. & Tujunga Ave.—Opening November, 15
• Palm Springs—Ramon Rd. & Gene Autry Trail—Opening November, 8