I guess East Nashville is willing to travel...

A few months back, I started a second petition to encourage TJ's to choose East Nashville for their next location. I officially abandon that project. For one, only a little over 300 folks signed it; pretty far from a mandate. Second, there is the Turnip Truck...

Last night I went to the Turnip Truck (hereafter, the TT). My visits are definitely less frequent since TJs came to town. As I walked the aisles, I recollected the day that Ian and I visited the TT for the first time. It was on a visit from Chicago in 2002 after we made an offer on our house. We were very excited the TT was there, but we were shocked by the prices. I find that feeling returning. One of the items (frozen chicken nuggets--I can't remember the brand) that I explicitly went to get last night--and ended up not buying--had gone up in price at least 60 cents to $7.59! I already thought they were expensive before, but they are so yummy, the splurge seemed worth it in the past.

So I walked out with four items: muesli for Ian, baby cereal for Reed (she'll be starting on solids this weekend), bacon, and salsa. If I wanted to, I think I could find good/passable substitutes for all of these items somewhere else easily. The store was pretty empty, although Friday nights are not a big grocery shopping time. I left wondering how business has been for them since TJs opened. I almost always run into someone I know from East Nashville when I'm at TJ's.

I have definitely never been able to afford to buy much at the TT in the past. I don't know how much the TT relies on a bunch of folks like me buying a handful of items every week or so. I thought I would continue to buy that handful, but I realize that I am going to have to be intentional about it in the future. I'm certain the TT would be impacted even more if TJs was in the neighborhood.

So, to those who expressed concern to me about the Turnip Truck's welfare, I now agree. I hope they survive these economic times and the competition that TJs represents. I will do my best to give them my business, as our budget allows.

My visits to Trader Joe's

I guess it is somewhat remarkable that I haven't posted since I have gone to the new store. Perhaps, family and work have kept me a bit too busy (and, embarrassingly, wasting time on Facebook just seems like a preferable way to spend small chunks of free time).

I love the new store! We went on opening weekend and had to park far away and hike. I have gone about 8 times since then (I'd definitely go more often if they were near, but you've heard that before). My favorite time to go is at what I call the "Heathen Hours" in the morning on Sunday [which, by the way is also the best time to go to the Nashville Zoo--too bad they are not closer to one another]. The only problem with going then is that you can't buy beer before noon (stupid blue laws--what a crock).

I was disappointed to learn that Prelude to a Quiche had been discontinued, but a lot of old favorites are still there. A few of those include frozen Chicken Shu Mai (I LOVE these), frozen Chicken Quesadilla (YUM), Cilantro & Chive Yogurt Dip, Tangerine Lime Diet Hansen's, more reasonably priced and volumetrically superior Grade A 100% maple syrup, Cleanliness is Next to Godliness laundry and dishwashing detergent, really cheap frozen (cheese, chicken and beef) enchiladas, and their basic Macaroni and Cheese (my son is thrilled about this last one--so much better than Annie's).

Some new (to me, not necessarily new to TJ's) ones include Orange Flavored Cranberries (these are like crack--seriously addictive), Nuts about Chocolate and Raspberries, Three Layer Hummus (regular, pepper and cilantro), Curry Chicken Breast Tenders (some complain that these are salty but I dig 'em), Curry Naan, Just The Clusters Vanilla Almond Granola (really good companion with the morning coffee), Mini Peanut Butter Cups, and Chocolate Covered Cranberries.

I am still bowled over by TJ's prices after being away from it for so long. It is so nice to get so much yummy food for such reasonable cost. The value definitely makes it worth the drive for our family. Which leads to my next post...

Open November 7th!

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081024/BUSINESS01/81024039/0/MICRO030402

Possible October opening?

That's pure conjecture on my part, so don't get too excited. Somewhere in my past reading, I read that Trader Joe's starts advertising jobs only very shortly before opening, like 3 to 4 weeks. Unfortunately, I can't find that piece now online to reference it.

Well, as of September 19, Trader Joe's is advertising Nashville jobs.

Given the clandestine approach [see Meg's comment] TJs tends to have towards their openings, I figure Thanksgiving is actually a little bit late. It'd be great to visit our new store for our Halloween treats this year!

Sorry I haven't been around to post more often. My brand new baby has been keeping me busy...

End of Summer Quarter Opening

"luvithere" posted to Trader Joe's Fan today that a lease for the Green Hills store has been signed and that we should look forward to an end of Summer quarter opening!

That is actually better than I expected, based on the "before Thanksgiving" timeline previously given, so I hope it is true.

Meanwhile TJ's Corporate still sends mixed messages to fans that ask them for information. Someone emailed me today to ask if TJ's was really coming to Nashville, because when she inquired about whether they would have wine at their Nashville store, she received this message:

...We appreciate your suggestions and enthusiasm regarding opening a store in Nashville, TN. We regret to inform you that at this time we have no confirmed plans for a store location in this area...

Much thanks,
Nicki
Customer Relations

I've also had real estate folks from East Nashville contacting me about getting in touch with TJ's, so don't give up hope, Eastside peeps!

The Philippines?

How cool is it that someone in the Philippines is Google-ing "trader joe's nashville"? We've gotten lots of visitors from all over Europe and the US, but I just think that is neat-o.

New Trader Joe's Nashville "Community"

Well, I have continued to google "trader joe's nashville" just to see what pops up. I'm always curious about coverage because the statcounter to my blog shows interesting geographic patterns sometimes. (And, hey Whole Foods Corporate and TJ Corporate, don't think I haven't noticed you. You're welcome here anytime.)

The other day I did my search and did a double-take. What is this Trader Joe's Nashville link I see?

Well, it turns out an individual we'll call "Joe Nashville" (simply because that's all I know) decided to create a community for those who love Trader Joe's in Nashville.

Of course, I joined.

Here is a description for the social network:

"A community of Trader Joe's fans in and around Nashville, TN. Come share, discover and discuss the wonderful things that make shopping at Trader Joe's neighborhood grocery an adventure rather than a chore. "

It's a pretty small group so far and also a bit quiet. Won't you join and liven it up?

P.S. While the CURRENT url is http://traderjoesnashville.ning.com/, Joe wants me to pass on that he hopes to spend the bucks to get that "ning" removed at which point you would need to look for http://traderjoesnashville.com/ (but not yet!)