Friday, October 18, was a day long awaited by many: the Grand Opening of South Miami’s first Trader Joe’s in Pinecrest.

Originating on the West Coast, the store has recently been expanding nationwide, bringing its specialty products like it’s famous Reduced Guilt Chunky Guacamole made with greek yogurt, Gluten Free Joe-Joe’s (a TJ’s take on the Oreo), and its famous Speculoos Cookie Butter, (the company limited the number a customer could buy after national shortages), to hungry mouths everywhere.

Legions of fans attended opening day sampling Trader Joe’s signature wines and delicious gingersnaps and cheese, and an assortment of coffees.Lines snaked out the door and the store was abuzz with enthusiastic shoppers whose carts were filled to the brim.

With its reasonable prices and unique products, students rave about Trader Joe’s.

Lyssa Goldberg, a Junior double majoring in journalism and political science, is “excited to buy all the special Trader Joe’s products she can’t buy anywhere else.” She is also excited to introduce her family to the delicious dips, snacks and salads. A cheese fan, she says “I can finally buy cheeses, fresh produce, and other perishables I could never purchase when I went to Trader Joe’s while traveling.”

Junior Accounting major, Valerie LaRochelle, whose hometown is in New Hampshire says she loves that Trader Joe’s is a “small piece of home in Miami.” She was enthusiastic to attend the store opening.

Students who have yet to visit can look forward to the seasonal pumpkin items including soup, macaroons, pancake mix, ravioli, pies, body butter, and even pumpkin dog treats. Trader Joe’s is also stand-alone in the fact that most of the items it stocks carry its own brand names or private labels.

The store is a short drive from Campus located at 9205 South Dixie Highway and opens bright and early at 8am so students can visit to choose from a pre-class treat or grab a late lunch.

words_alyssa jacobson. photos_valerie larochelle