Steve Huling on Trader Joe’s confirmation: “It’s going to be super”

(Future long-awaited West Seattle Trader Joe’s)
We’ve just spoken to Steve Huling, owner of the property that this morning has been confirmed as a new Trader Joe’s – the one we told you in late April was worth watching, after a notation appeared on the city DPD website – and he says he’s finally able to talk about the project, since the company this morning officially confirmed it: “Now that it’s out, I can finally start talking about it! They’re going to create a lot of new activity in the area. I think this is a great deal for the community.” First, here’s the news release from the company:

Trader Joe’s, a unique, neighborhood grocery store with foods and beverages from the exotic to the basic, has signed a lease to open a new West Seattle store located at 4545 Fauntleroy Way SW. The store is scheduled to open in 2011 and is approximately 14,200 square feet in size.

Trader Joe’s was originally named in recognition of its distinct grocery buying process, because they search the world for great values and distinctive products. Crew members (store employees) consider themselves “traders on the culinary seas.” Crewmembers sport brightly colored Hawaiian-themed shirts, adding to the light-hearted air of the store.

Many area residents after the store opens can expect to receive a copy of the Trader Joe’s “Fearless Flyer” in their mailboxes. The Fearless Flyer is a somewhat irreverent description of a timely selection of Trader Joe’s products. It’s been called a cross between Consumer Reports and Mad Magazine. Each edition highlights a selection of Trader Joe’s products that the company buyers believe are worthy of customer interest, including comfort foods and items that are organic or have other special attributes.

Trader Joe’s carries an extensive array of domestic and imported foods and beverages including fresh baked artisan breads, Arabica bean coffees, international frozen entrées, 100% juices, fresh crop nuts, deli items, and vitamins and supplements, as well as the basics, like milk and eggs – all at honest, low prices.

Trader Joe’s is truly a grocery store unlike any other. Trader Joe’s is a “store of stories,” meaning every item in the store has its own virtues — high quality ingredients, great flavor or simply an extraordinary price — many items often feature all of those qualities. Another significant point of difference, all of Trader Joe’s prices are everyday prices. Trader Joe’s doesn’t have “sales” for a few days, only to hike the prices back up again. Their prices change only when their costs change — there are no fancy promotions, discount cards or couponing wars.

So how does Trader Joe’s offer unique groceries at prices everyone can afford? By offering more than 1000 items under the Trader Joe’s private label, which includes Trader Darwin’s vitamins (For the Survival of the Fittest), Trader José’s salsas, Trader Giotto’s marinara sauces, in addition to specially purchased items.

Also, Trader Joe’s buys differently than other grocers – they purchase from manufacturers, not through distributors. They’ll take a brand name product, take out the preservatives and artificial colors and ingredients, and put it under their Trader Joe’s label to sell it at a real discount.

Trader Joe’s introduces approximately a dozen new items every week, heightening the store’s adventurous appeal. Our buyers travel around the world searching out unique products at great values. In order for an item to be sold in a Trader Joe’s store, it must pass the scrutiny of a discerning tasting panel. Thousands of items are tasted each year to find products that both appeal to the culinary adventurer and microwave aficionado.

Huling tells us it’s been tough to keep quiet until the company confirmed it publicly. He adds, “Since this has been announced, we’re hopeful there’ll be some additional activity in the area – I think this whole area (the Triangle) is getting ready to bust open. It’s nice, it’s a great community, and it’s nice to see all the growth and it sounds like it’s going to be done in a very respectful way.”

As for how soon construction will start – earlier this morning, we had spoken with Bryan Stevens at DPD. The construction permit has not yet been applied for – the “initial information collected” designation that remains on the DPD page means simply that conversations have been had, but no paperwork has been filed. ADDED 5:07 PM: This is the rendering provided by Trader Joe’s.

We spoke with the project architect before seeing it today and hope to speak with him again tomorrow to find out more about exactly where on the lot this is going, since the DPD notation was “minor exterior remodel,” and this would certainly go beyond that.

149 Replies to "Steve Huling on Trader Joe's confirmation: "It's going to be super""

  • sam June 16, 2010 (11:16 am)

    you know what we need ? a trader joe’s in west seattle.

    oh wait……now what is the long standing rumor going to be ?

  • JanS June 16, 2010 (11:20 am)

    Hooray! Ya heard it here first – lol! Great news…can’t wait to shop there :)

  • Meghan June 16, 2010 (11:21 am)

    How EXCITING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And what a great location for them. Yeah!!!

  • anw June 16, 2010 (11:22 am)

    Wow! What will we talk about now? Our dreams are fulfilled…

  • Kat in HighPoint June 16, 2010 (11:25 am)

    Woooohoooo!!!! It will do bang up business. They’re going to be wondering why they didn’t open it sooner…

  • White Center Gardener June 16, 2010 (11:30 am)

    Does anyone know how big the Burien store is? Just curious how that compares to the approximately 14,200 square feet this store will be. (Yes, I’m spacially challenged.)

  • 2krazy4words June 16, 2010 (11:35 am)

    and we get to save gas and the environment at the same time :-) yeeehaaa!

  • Kate K June 16, 2010 (11:36 am)

    What we’ve been waiting for forever! Now I never need to leave West Seattle :-)

  • Cari McGee June 16, 2010 (11:37 am)

    Waaaa! When will we get one in the Tri-Cities??? I’m happy for you folks, though!

  • Rhonda Porter June 16, 2010 (11:39 am)

    Very cool!! So will this be by Hole Foods?

    • WSB June 16, 2010 (11:42 am)

      Rhonda – I just added the photo of the site – and will be adding more background. It’s more or less across the corner, though that’s where Fauntleroy bends and it faces Fauntleroy.

  • Molly June 16, 2010 (11:41 am)

    So excited! I love Trader Joe’s. I hope the Burien store will continue to do well after all of us WS peeps stop shopping there.

  • f_the_pit June 16, 2010 (11:43 am)

    What’s going to happen to that ugly pit across the street? Not a lot of use for a Whole Foods now that the mother of all TJ’s is going in next door.
    .
    Also, @Gardner, imagine 14,200 as roughly a 120 foot square.

    • WSB June 16, 2010 (11:45 am)

      To “F the pit” – this may be why Whole Foods’ regional rep told us to check back late this month – their lease has been contingent on “a store is supposed to be built for us by now” and this month is when they told us previously “we should be able to say something when June arrives and it’s obvious there’s no store.” But the site itself remains tied up in the lawsuits we’ve been reporting on – there is a company that is trying to buy it but the completion of the deal is contingent on the clearance of liens by companies caught up in the legal mess from when the original project fell apart almost two years ago – TR

  • Reeve June 16, 2010 (11:44 am)

    It IS going to be super! Now, with WS Produce at the other old car lot, all our foodie shopping needs are fulfilled in only a small radius.

  • Jay June 16, 2010 (11:45 am)

    Awesome. Totally awesome!!

    @White Center Gardener

    It should definitely be much bigger than the Burien location. Just found an old press release that said the Ballard location is 12,120 sq ft and I know that store is for sure bigger than Burien! So at 14,200 sq ft, West Seattle will have one of the larger stores in the city!

  • Barry June 16, 2010 (11:46 am)

    Traffic is going to suck in that spot. It’s already bad there I see a few wrecks happening and frustrated ferry goers

  • Tiff June 16, 2010 (11:47 am)

    Boo for Trader Joe’s! I am not a fan. Its going to clog up that black even more.

  • Sue June 16, 2010 (11:51 am)

    3 blocks from my house! I’m very excited, but fearful for my wallet. :)

  • Concerned Citizen June 16, 2010 (11:54 am)

    Sweeeeet!!

  • SarahScoot June 16, 2010 (11:56 am)

    Doesn’t look like they’ll preserve the existing structure, though: http://www.westseattleherald.com/2010/06/16/news/trader-joe%E2%80%99s-announces-new-west-seattle-location
    Kind of sad. The Art Deco building is cool, but I suppose it would need all sorts of retrofitting to make it work as a grocery store.

  • Valerie June 16, 2010 (11:58 am)

    This is terrific! @Sue, I hear you on the wallet thing ;-)

  • morgan June 16, 2010 (11:59 am)

    wow, great news.. SOOO happy.. Now let’s get the HUGE hole filled in next to it!

  • dd June 16, 2010 (12:02 pm)

    Does Trader Joe’s still sell their fruit wrapped in plastic and sitting on Styrofoam trays? That will tell you the last time I shopped at Trader Joe’s. Single bananas all in their own packaging. It was so cute.

  • busser June 16, 2010 (12:03 pm)

    Did WSB’s 11:45 comment really start out ‘F the pit..’? As in ‘eff’?? Or is that a typo? If not a typo, I think it’s hilarious we’ve finally managed to corrupt them, as we sometimes get very passionate and speak colorfully. :)

    • WSB June 16, 2010 (12:04 pm)

      Busser – That’s the screen name the person left, if you go back about five comments. I can edit if that’s not clear. Sorry, I try to keep a PG site here, though as a 30-year journalist I have my colorful moments in person.

  • Michael June 16, 2010 (12:07 pm)

    The downside: Trader Joe’s may help usher in paid parking in the area – I haven’t seen a Joe’s anywhere without an army of cars jockeying for parking.
    .
    That said, I can hardly wait to stop giving Safeway/QFC my money.

  • improvingthehood June 16, 2010 (12:09 pm)

    I am so glad the vacant buildings are being filled with new businesses! This area was such a dump, and it needs more work still, but we are on our way!

  • Steph in WS June 16, 2010 (12:12 pm)

    Guess they got tired of us emailing them all the time to get one in WS. YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Maura June 16, 2010 (12:21 pm)

    AWESOME! This is great news for West Seattle.

  • busser June 16, 2010 (12:22 pm)

    Ohhh, of course. Now it becomes clear. I didn’t note the screen name. I just thought you were voicing the sentiment of West Seattle!

  • mama b June 16, 2010 (12:22 pm)

    @ Sam’s comment: Well, there’s always that OTHER long standing rumor, that there will be a movie theater built at Westwood Village! =) Hooray, TJ’s!

  • JanS June 16, 2010 (12:24 pm)

    folks…there is a fairly good sized parking lot, and, frankly, I wouldn’t be concerned about how it’s gonna affect ferry traffic at that end. That’s not something I usually worry about in life. Do you all?
    Any business that would go there, be it retail, a condo complex, or whatever, would impact traffic, of course. But what would you rather? Have it just stay empty, a blight on WS, but great for commuters? Be serious.

  • george June 16, 2010 (12:24 pm)

    So what do we bitch for next? Nordstroms?

  • d June 16, 2010 (12:25 pm)

    Bummer that they are rebuilding, rather than renovating the existing structure. I thought that would have been more interesting perhaps.

    The building design I saw didn’t have much appeal to me, considering it IS a gateway, but I’m sure my dislike of it will stop them from proceeding ;).

    I don’t even shop there, but it’d be nice to have a building design which the community-at-large would support.

    • WSB June 16, 2010 (12:43 pm)

      D – since the DPD had told me just this morning that the building permit had not been applied for, so they may change what the original discussion was. The notation on the DPD site remains the same as it was when we first wrote about it April 30th – “Interior remodel and some minor exterior improvements to existing commercial building for new Trade Joe’s grocery store.” (typo theirs)

  • CurlyQ June 16, 2010 (12:31 pm)

    Ahhh, TJ’s in West Seattle at long last. Hell will now commence freezing over :)

  • Laura June 16, 2010 (12:32 pm)

    YAY!!! I’m the one that emailed you yesterday and was so bummed to realize it wasn’t “official” but now I see this and am doing cartwheels!!! LOL @ that Nordstrom comment george. Let’s totally jump on that bandwagon now!

    Thank you WSB. :O)

  • Ken June 16, 2010 (12:35 pm)

    Trader WHO?

  • Dc June 16, 2010 (12:39 pm)

    Woo hoo!
    I’m totally excited for this! TJ has great products and prices!
    Hope it all goes through, but then what are we going to comment on in the wsb? I like the nordstrom idea :)

  • Mary Sheely June 16, 2010 (12:41 pm)

    OMG RIGHT BY MY STREET!

  • Mary Sheely June 16, 2010 (12:43 pm)

    PS Can I make a motion that if the whole thing is getting torn out, gardening folks around WS can come and dig up all the neglected plants around the current building? I hate when new building sites just trash them all.

  • bolo June 16, 2010 (12:53 pm)

    “They’ll take a brand name product, take out the preservatives and artificial colors and ingredients, and put it under their Trader Joe’s label to sell it at a real discount.”

    This is truly amazing to me! Does anybody else wonder how they do this? Sounds like a great way to make cheap junk food actually wholesome for us.

  • GenHillOne June 16, 2010 (1:06 pm)

    art deco? Maybe I’m missing something, but looks like the standard commercial “box” to me and I’m so happy to hear something (judging by the reactions) popular is going on that lot!

  • MJ June 16, 2010 (1:09 pm)

    Thanks Jan S! I completely agree. I live a few blocks away and I would gladly accept a bit more traffic in exchange for viable businesses filling the empty triangle retail space. This is excellent news!

  • Tanya June 16, 2010 (1:10 pm)

    The best news I’ve heard EVER!

  • Trader no! June 16, 2010 (1:16 pm)

    Oh good, another faux hip company that feeds off our wants. They offer copies of other products and make it cool to buy there. They keep a hip team by offering non union jobs and keeping turnover high. If you want to feel good about supporting community, a truly hip thing. Then buy from companies that employ union workers, and that work hard to make an honest wage for themselves and thier families.

  • Lynne June 16, 2010 (1:17 pm)

    Thrilled!

  • Cheryl June 16, 2010 (1:17 pm)

    HOORAY!!!
    .
    Now, we can finally put the rumors to rest (and hopefully all the comment hijacking) regarding Trader Joes and West Seattle.
    .
    Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets!

  • Genessee neighbor June 16, 2010 (1:18 pm)

    Did we finally wear them down asking EVERY time we’re in the Burien TJ’s when WS was going to get one??? Yahoo!!!! Great news!!!

  • Morgan Junction Mom June 16, 2010 (1:26 pm)

    Yippeee!!!! I was recently in the Redmond TJ’s and it was very nice. The aisles were wider than Burien and it didn’t seem so cramped. Lots of light. I hope this is the route they go for the WS store.

  • Trader Yes June 16, 2010 (1:27 pm)

    Thats pretty funny Trader No. Ask at Safeway how many of them have left TJ’s to become a Union Member at Safeway. Now ask the same question at TJ’s. Most union members take the higher wages and better benefits at TJ’s. Ditto for QFC and Albertsons.

  • Gina June 16, 2010 (1:29 pm)

    T.J.s carries the Barbara’s line of cereal products at discounted prices. I’ll go there for that! I didn’t bother wasting gas driving to Madison or Burien for cereal, but I can walk to this store.

  • pam June 16, 2010 (1:29 pm)

    Not to sound like I”m totally out of the loop – but is Trader Joe’s draw the prices, the variety, what….. In two sentences, why are you so excited for Trader Joe’s?

  • Andrew June 16, 2010 (1:41 pm)

    Thank you Jesus!

  • Diane June 16, 2010 (1:41 pm)

    doing the Trader Joe’s happy dance; welcome to WS; you’ll love it here; thank you for official confirmation @westseattleblog

  • Alki Area June 16, 2010 (1:43 pm)

    But but but…it CAN’T be true!! What else will we talk about now!

    Oh wait, there’s still the ongoing pool on what and when anything will happen to the “Whole Foods Hole”. Whew…scared me for a second.

  • Trader Yes June 16, 2010 (1:44 pm)

    Trader Joe’s has a great variety of consistently good food and beverages at reasonable prices and although I could eat a 5 gallon bucket of their hummous I don’t have to buy one to get a good deal. How’s that?

  • Diane June 16, 2010 (1:52 pm)

    I predict 100+ comments by early evening; maybe even by 5pm?

  • seaview June 16, 2010 (1:56 pm)

    Now we need a Red Mill.

    • WSB June 16, 2010 (2:00 pm)

      In-N-Out.

  • Ann June 16, 2010 (2:01 pm)

    Red Mill or Kidd Valley. I’ve voiced my desires to Kidd Valley.

    I’m so excited for a Trader Joe’s here although I might miss the weekly field trips to Burien.

  • on board June 16, 2010 (2:04 pm)

    Ok, WSB officially started the first of soon-to-be-countless bring In-N-Out Burger posts. What’s the scoop? Will West Seattle get the next In-N-out north of Redding?

  • george June 16, 2010 (2:11 pm)

    REAL Mexi food. Blah meets West Seattle.

  • WS res June 16, 2010 (2:12 pm)

    DPD site says: Description of Work – Interior remodel and some minor exterior improvements to existing commercial building for new Trade Joe’s grocery store.

  • JBL June 16, 2010 (2:12 pm)

    FYI ALL…Essential Baking Company breads are sold under the Trader Joe’s brand in Seattle.

  • Smitty June 16, 2010 (2:12 pm)

    Never understood why Dick’s didn’t have a West Seattle/Alki location. Seems like a perfect fit.

  • coffee June 16, 2010 (2:12 pm)

    good lord, and they are not that great, and yet another store in a saturated area, why not something on 35th???

  • Jay June 16, 2010 (2:16 pm)

    Well, I think the next thing West Seattle should wish for is a proper first run movie theater. It seems most every other neighborhood in the city has one except us.

  • Tiff June 16, 2010 (2:29 pm)

    I dont want my neighborhood to be like every other one..its why I live in WeSea

  • JBL June 16, 2010 (2:35 pm)

    What about the parking for this new TJ? If it’s anything like ALL the other TJ’s it should be tight and hard to navigate. Which makes me concerned about customers taking over the street parking. Already hard enough in that area with the Bowling Alley, Eastridge Church, and the surrounding residents.

  • MindDrive June 16, 2010 (2:38 pm)

    EXCELLENT!!! Glad we got the personal shopping cart from Jct. Tru-Value. It’ll get lots of use now!

    @Tiff: That is a great concern about clogging up that (presumably) block. I came here from NJ to escape rampant building without infrastructure to back it up. I am in favor of sensible expansion, but I will join you in sounding the alarm demanding that roads and other infrastructure be upgraded accordingly!

    Since @Sue is my wife, I’d rather see her overspend a little at a relatively inexpensive store like TJs. :-)

  • Skeeter June 16, 2010 (2:38 pm)

    coffee, I agree 100%. The community on 35th (highpoint) is very underserved. Meanwhile the junction has several grocery stores. I can’t understand it.

  • ZS June 16, 2010 (2:42 pm)

    I second In-N-out! And I love TJ’s but wish they would not discontinue items I like. They do that rather often…

  • onceachef June 16, 2010 (2:57 pm)

    Woohoo…no more drives to Burien! Pam…so you can be more in the loop…TJ’s is California based and has grown throughout the west coast…proprietary products that taste as good as (if not better than) name products…at reasonable prices. Good selection of “everyday” wines…some good and some not so good…lots of organic products.
    Now we need a Rialto Grill -really good affordable Italian food – http://www.rialtopastabar.com/

  • Ken June 16, 2010 (3:00 pm)

    Next, how about an independent video store, like Scarecrow, 15th Ave Video, or Rain City? Or is there one in WS I’m not aware of?

  • onceachef June 16, 2010 (3:00 pm)

    Oh yeah…to all you burger fans..go to Zippy’s! http://zippysgiantburgers.com/

    Fresh ground meat (daily)…grilled…fun owner…get it to go though as it is a small place…I wish they’d open a second one that’s bigger.

  • glendafrench June 16, 2010 (3:01 pm)

    We in West Seattle are lucky this is one of our biggest issues for our community.

    That’s the sign of a pretty awesome community.

  • stb June 16, 2010 (3:02 pm)

    Yahoo I can stop stuffing my pantry cupboards from my infrequent trips to TJ’s in Burien! Leaves more room to drag stuff home from Costco.

  • Bettytheyeti June 16, 2010 (3:04 pm)

    I for on think the building could be repurposed to Trader Joe’s theme. I too am thrilled I won’t be driving to Madison, Burien or University for pantry items. Golly, West Seattle has arrived!

  • birdgeek June 16, 2010 (3:06 pm)

    hand-clappy happy!!!!! :D

  • Diane June 16, 2010 (3:09 pm)

    SeaTimes front of website story about our new WS TJ’s; with appropriate attribution to westseattleblog for breaking story in April
    ~
    http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2012132061_traderjoes17.html

  • AnotherIdiotInWS June 16, 2010 (3:17 pm)

    Oh good. Second rate ingredients and low-grade food… cheap. What can go wrong?

  • alki_resident June 16, 2010 (3:27 pm)

    The Hulings still make me cringe after what their salesmen did to that poor, elderly woman – when they bilked her out of $100,000. I’m glad the salesmen went to prison, however I wish the Hulings would have as well.

    Welcome Trader Joes!! I hope you buy the property from the Hulings and rid us of their vengeful scourge.

  • Derek Lunde June 16, 2010 (3:28 pm)

    This is so great! PS: love @Rhonda Porter’s comment at top “what’ll happen with HOLE foods now?”

    I just hope eventually it’ll move away from being a giant hole and into something important, like maybe a Schuck’s Auto Supply and a JoAnne Fabrics?

  • Jennie June 16, 2010 (3:36 pm)

    Just doing my part to make it to 100 posts! Best news we’ve had all year!!

  • Chris June 16, 2010 (3:48 pm)

    In-n-Out is horrible, I’ve tried them in California and Arizona both not very good. We have such good burger places in Seattle. I would rather have a Blazing Onion!

  • Mike June 16, 2010 (3:55 pm)

    Awesome!

  • Mike June 16, 2010 (3:56 pm)

    “The Hulings still make me cringe after what their salesmen did to that poor, elderly woman – when they bilked her out of $100,000.”

    .

    Huling family didn’t own the dealership when that happened, the owner never changed the name after they took over the dealership from the Huling family.

  • Diane June 16, 2010 (3:58 pm)

    unfortunately, the West Seattle Herald story basically copied most of text of Trader Joe’s press release, without attribution, not much new/different to their article, except photo of rendering of new store; curious how they got that pic and if it is really what the new store will look like, or just pic of generic TJ’s

    • WSB June 16, 2010 (4:18 pm)

      To Diane’s point re: the rendering: I spoke earlier today with the architect in Arizona. He was checking to see what he could get us. Seeing a rendering on the Puget Sound Business Journal site, I definitely want to find out more about whether that is really what this is supposed to look like, since (a) the initial info on DPD site suggested (as noted many comments ago) “minor” exterior work, and the rendering looks more than minor (b) I can’t tell where on the lot that would be. My guess (again, a GUESS) would be, if that’s really what they’re aiming for, 39th/Alaska/Fauntleroy corner. Take a look at what was proposed for the site when BlueStar had an option on it two years ago (image is in this story): https://westseattleblog.com/2008/03/breaking-news-bluestar-to-build-on-ex-huling-showroom-site
      .
      Also to the point of those who have brought up the case from 2007, brought to light after the Hulings sold the dealerships – but not the land – to GEE: It was a really convoluted case. The ownership was *never* implicated. We covered some of the court proceedings for some of the suspects, most of that playing out in 2008. This was the original news release from Seattle Police in early 2007, which was before we really got going as a news site, so we don’t have much original coverage:
      http://www.seattle.gov/news/detail.asp?ID=6947&Dept=16
      .
      As for the legal battle that resulted between Huling and Gee after the latter shut the dealerships following just months of operation, the last public notation on court records, from early last year, was that it was headed for private arbitration.
      http://is.gd/cS0cV

  • SarahScoot June 16, 2010 (3:59 pm)

    alki_resident, unless you’re talking about another case, the Huling controversy involved a mentally-challenged youngish man, not an elderly woman. Still horrible, of course, just want to clarify those details.

  • Diane June 16, 2010 (4:04 pm)

    thanks Jennie; we’re almost there; and still whole hour til 5

  • jeunglady June 16, 2010 (4:08 pm)

    Awesome. Trader Joes next to my office (cap hill) and Trader Joes less than 1/2 mile from my home in WS. Best news ever…

  • Bob Loblaw June 16, 2010 (4:10 pm)

    I’ve heard rumors that a second Trader Joe’s is coming to West Seattle? Tracy: Is this true?
    .
    :-)

  • timeslid June 16, 2010 (4:10 pm)

    Please repurpose the building! I want to be able to see happy shoppers when I drive by. Are we at 100 yet?

  • barry June 16, 2010 (4:35 pm)

    i just don’t see this working in that spot, its going to f some people day up. trader joe shoppers are crazy drivers and people, this should be fun to watch

  • bunnypug June 16, 2010 (4:38 pm)

    We moved to another neighborhood last month, but I am thrilled that the West Side is finally getting a TJs. Congrats West Seattle!

  • Diane June 16, 2010 (4:44 pm)

    so did Collins Woerman ever get paid for Hole Foods?
    ~
    thanks for link to BlueStar project at this site; having participated in design reviews for all these projects, I did not remember that the other Fauntleroy BlueStar project was at this Huling site

  • berge June 16, 2010 (4:48 pm)

    So probably at least a year before it’s open? :( We’ll all be nuts with anticipation and hype!

  • sam June 16, 2010 (4:57 pm)

    we need a grocery store on the east side of West Seattle.

  • Jeff June 16, 2010 (4:57 pm)

    “Next, how about an independent video store, like Scarecrow, 15th Ave Video, or Rain City? Or is there one in WS I’m not aware of?”

    Whether people want to admit it or not, the idea of the “video store” is dead. Give it a decade, they will all be gone.

  • peopledust June 16, 2010 (5:09 pm)

    Call me crazy, BUT I AM NOT EXCITED at all. Not a fan of TJs. Have you seen how they package their produce? So wasteful. We already have a Safeway (2), QFC, Thiftway, Metro and a PCC. If you want a natural food store, go to PCC. :)

  • Kristina June 16, 2010 (5:12 pm)

    Yayyyyy! This is great news, and is going to save me some gas.

  • dude June 16, 2010 (5:13 pm)

    Great…all we need now is a nascar track and wal-mart.

    Trader joe’s….the yuppie wal-mart.

  • JayDee June 16, 2010 (5:32 pm)

    As a long time (30+ years) TJs shopper, I am thrilled. And this does not make WS like anywhere else because TJs has a business model that limits the neighborhoods they open in. TJs is privately held by a German family, and if I could buy stock I would.

    As for locating it somewhere else in WS–very unlikely. And yes, the typical TJs parking lot is like the Queen Anne or Capitol Hill stores–painful. Burien is an exception.

    TJs offerings range from run of the mill to excellent–cheeses, wine, produce, vitamins, Clif Bars, and basics (oils, canned goods, pasta, nuts) are superb.

    TJs prepared foods are high in sodium and fat, and they sell farmed salmon and shrimp from SE Asia and other places where such farming is suspect. So it is not all rosy. Some of the other frozen fish is on the Monterrey Aquarium don’t buy list. But overall, a net positive shopping mecca IMHO.

  • welcometj's June 16, 2010 (5:34 pm)

    And the villagers cheered, HURRAY!

  • MargL June 16, 2010 (5:48 pm)

    lol – Diane – I posted a couple (yes, snarky) comments pointing out the fact that the Herald had basically posted the Trader Joe’s press release without attribution and asked if the picture had come -with- the press release, or if it was copied from another site… my posts were deleted.

  • Kelly K June 16, 2010 (5:57 pm)

    Even if they can’t use the existing structure, I wonder if TJ’s will build green?

    Zippy’s is awesome, but Kid Valley would still be great in my book–I love the seasonal milkshake flavors. We can do without Dicks (what place in Seattle doesn’t have a veggie burger?).

  • JA June 16, 2010 (6:03 pm)

    Is the size of the Trader Joe’s store bigger than Burien? Turn the Hole into Trader Joe’s overflow parking lot.

  • Debby June 16, 2010 (6:11 pm)

    Fabulous!

  • jake June 16, 2010 (6:39 pm)

    Sweet! Now if only the shops at 35th & Graham would be developed… What ever happened to that???

  • MsEvelyn June 16, 2010 (6:43 pm)

    Yay! Trader Joes has great customer service and unique products. Safeway could learn a thing or two from them,,,(or three or 4…)!.

  • sophista-tiki June 16, 2010 (7:07 pm)

    Been waiting along time for the Trader Joes. I’m fine with the location because at least we’re getting one. But there are vast sections of West Seattle with NO grocery stores at all, and it is a bit unfair for the junction to get yet another store. Seems like there are a few TJ haters. Get over it! no one is forcing you to shop there. Its good quality food, (with out excessive packaging like someone suggested) and its reasonably priced. Some of us want to eat better than name brand crap from the big chain stores but can’t afford to spend 300 bucks a week at the snooty health food co-op. Trader Joes is a happy medium. Shopping at Trader Joes isn’t about “being hip” its about being practical. By the way “hipster” is so last yr this yrs term is “fauxhemian”
    I only hope the aisles are wide enough to accomodate an actual shopper and the fauxhemians standing around talking on their phones while smuggly blocking the products. Some of us just want to get what we need and leave. The combination of TJ”s and the new produce place will make for a great shopping trip.

  • sophista-tiki June 16, 2010 (7:15 pm)

    Forgot my burger joint 2 cents. I vote for a Red Mill. I tried supporting Zippys but its just too small for their volume of business there for making it a turn off unless you are already a regular. So good news for zippys because they are always packed1 but seems like we could accomodate a Red Mill as well. Seriously WS does NOT need a first run theater. We do however need our fabric store back.

  • JBL June 16, 2010 (7:30 pm)

    (chanting) Rrreeed Mill! Rrreeed Mill! Rrreeed Mill! Rrreeed Mill!

  • JanS June 16, 2010 (7:40 pm)

    it’s not even here yet, and people are finding fault with things. Re: parking. It was a car dealership…where exactly do you think they put their cars? There is a big parking lot, for goodness sake.

    just google the property…

    http://maps.google.com/maps?q=4545%20Fauntleroy%20Way%20SW%20Seattle%20WA&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl

  • AnotherIdiotInWS June 16, 2010 (7:40 pm)

    I think I will continue shop for the fresh and supposedly more “healthy” items at Metro and PCC, and forego the secondary products at TJ’s. I am glad this arrival is making many folks happy, and I think that is fair. I don’t make that much money, but I don’t care to save $10 a week on cheap ingredients. I don’t buy too much “name brands” – I try to stick as much fresh as I can. Good luck with the “chicken” from the south that even Safeway doesn’t sell, and fish from China and Vietnam.

    • WSB June 16, 2010 (7:48 pm)

      AIIWS – thank you; Metro Market and PCC are both WSB sponsors and we always like to hear about folks supporting those who make our operations possible :)

  • W June 16, 2010 (7:49 pm)

    great news! – hope all goes as planned (knock on wood)!

  • Glenda June 16, 2010 (7:49 pm)

    You know what we actually need? Some good priced, easy to take and go food in the Junction. I know that sounds funny, but having something like a (non-fast food chain) burger joint or pizza by the slice you could get in and out quickly and take home would be great. Everything else we have tends to be mostly sit down or happy hour geared. Husky is more like a grocery store but I guess has the deli sandwich covered, Great Harvest has sandwiches but it is more of a bakery, Pagliacci’s is more delivery, Talarico’s isn’t really to go. I’m thinking more things like Tacos Guaymas easy to sit and eat at or take to go.

    I’m not complaining, just putting it here if any business owners are reading through this thread.

  • Garden_nymph June 16, 2010 (8:10 pm)

    What a win for West Seattle. I wonder how many other neighborhoods had to campaign for a store like we did. I would love to see TJ’s re-purpose the building, reminds me of Zanadu. Excellent reporting WSB. I look forward to local Bool Gogi!

  • AnotherIdiotInWS June 16, 2010 (8:14 pm)

    I don’t like being put into a category as some sort of snob because I shop in Metro and PCC. They each have an amazing staff, and have incredible business sense. They are catering to people who want a choice of food that is (hopefully) more healthy. I don’t make enough money to qualify as a snob – I just care about what I eat. I hope more people will do some research on the subject before they stampede on over to their not-local Trader Joe. Learn about what “organic” and “sustainable” really means and why these things are important. Unless of course, you really need to save $10 a week at TJ’s.

  • d June 16, 2010 (8:20 pm)

    I wonder about a grocery store for eastern WS….wasn’t somebody from Delridge District going to be contacting smaller independent grocery companies awhile back? Whatever happened to that I idea I wonder? I am sure many would like to know the status of such a promising idea.

    But I kind of think we also need, amongst a few other staple type things, a Utopia yogurt stand. I know. What’s a Utopia yogurt stand, you say? It’s a NOT a chain. It is one stand making one singularly awesome greek yogurt (nonfat people!) based froyo.

    Currently based in the food court at the Uwajimaya in the International District, this affordable bliss is healthy and incredibly smooth and creamy.

    They need to be here. We need to court the owner. Further, they need to be either next door to a new Chaco Canyon in the Triangle development or they need to be in Delridge somewhere. Yes, Delridge. Think about it.

    Avocado/lime will rock your world. And they have all that candy topping stuff that other people go absolutely wild over. And, the pineapple they use? Fresh as fresh can be. I’ll attest to that. So, remember: Utopia Frozen Greek Yogurt.

    Go to Uwajimaya and sample some (I suggest plain and avocado/lime if it’s available) become a convert and write the owner. In that order. :)

    http://www.utopiayogurtgoodness.com/home.html

    • WSB June 16, 2010 (8:27 pm)

      Hey d … I am at the Delridge District Council as I write, and this is exactly what they are discussing. No solutions though. But there’s some cool news about some fresh produce weekly/monthly markets that are going to happen this summer – that’ll be the first thing I write up … Ron Angeles says to be realistic, the first thing will be to try to get better transportation from eastern West Seattle to western West Seattle where all the grocery stores are … TR

  • westseattledood June 16, 2010 (8:42 pm)

    Hey TR –

    thx – but what happened to courting Red Apple? That had serious potential, if pursued. Red Apple is on Beacon Hill. Their corporate model and demographic they serve is not far from the same in eastern WS. I’d love to know the details of that effort TR. Sure many others would too.

    Produce is fine, but I don’t think it’s realistic to think that can be considered “groceries” by anyone’s standards. Why push Metro instead of courting independents? I’d be curious to know the logic?

    • WSB June 16, 2010 (9:32 pm)

      The talk didn’t get that far (I will be summarizing it briefly in the next item) but it always seems to boil down to, in the end it’s the owner-developer and the grocer in talks, the community advocates can’t “make” them do anything … There was a little bit of lament for example over how Home Depot turned up in central Delridge instead of a grocery store when the K-Mart went out. Anyway, there are a *lot* of followups to be done now, like, what has the High Point project on hold anyway? …

  • pam June 16, 2010 (8:56 pm)

    Can we bring JC Penney back???

  • eyeye June 16, 2010 (9:49 pm)

    while i have wanted a viable business(es) to occupy the unsightly vacant lots, i don’t think the triangle/junction needs another grocery store. i’m ambivalent about this news. all of this “thank you jesus” stuff is lost on me. sure, there are a few deals to be had, but i don’t think it’s a big deal. hmph.

  • JanS June 16, 2010 (10:21 pm)

    each to his own, I say. Some love it, some don’t. That makes the world go around. If someone doesn’t like TJ’s then I suggest they don’t shop there. But don’t knock the people who do want to shop there…it’s their choice, and it doesn’t make them lesser than you are (directed at AnotherIdiot).

    I live within walking distance of Adm. Safeway, PCC, and Met Market. I get something at each place., depending on what I can afford. I have never shopped at the Junction QFC…it’s not within my realm of things. If Whole Foods had happened, I wouldn’t have shopped there because of the prices. I will go to TJ’s, but not to do all my shopping. It’s just another source. We all have to be discerning.

  • JanS June 16, 2010 (10:23 pm)

    d…Utopia sounds wonderful…yummmmm

  • Mike June 16, 2010 (10:32 pm)

    There is NO regulation on what is labeled as “organic”. People need to catch onto that.

  • Beth G June 16, 2010 (11:03 pm)

    Hooray~ Can’t wait for Trader Joe’s to join us! I really hope they get further along than Whole “hole” foods.

  • lenguamor June 16, 2010 (11:14 pm)

    JanS: Hey, don’t go making sense now. Wouldn’t want that.
    .
    Whatever, haters. Stay away for all any of us care – more parking and less congestion for us fans of TJ’s.
    .
    I’ll keep buying the things I have been buying there for years and enjoying them without having to pay 3 times as much at PCC for equivalents.

  • Bruce June 17, 2010 (8:19 am)

    Great news! I had called the Director of New Store Development at TJ’s a couple of times over the years asking about plans to open a store in West Seattle. He’s actually (I assume he’s still there) a nice guy and would ask “which rumor have you heard lately?” The spot that they really wanted was the Rite Aid on California and thought they had it when they opened in Westwood (assumed Rite Aid would close that store). One thing you have to say about them…they’re patient!

  • KBear June 17, 2010 (9:13 am)

    “Re: parking. It was a car dealership…where exactly do you think they put their cars?”
    .
    …in the showroom, of course! Will I be able to shop for endangered seafood and overpackaged produce right from my SUV?

  • mrsB June 17, 2010 (9:13 am)

    Re-reading some of the above comments, it’s pretty easy to tell who hasn’t actually shopped at Trader Joe’s (or Whole Foods, for that matter). Swallow your pride and try it – don’t wait until next year’s planned opening, there are enough other TJ’s in the area. Nothing bad will happen to you and you might even understand why so many West-Seattlites were jumping for joy with yesterday’s long-awaited announcement!

  • Mary Sheely June 17, 2010 (10:40 am)

    Now — when will something happen with the eyesore on Fauntleroy between Alaska and Edmunds? Was really hoping that was the location. Still good news though!

  • odroku June 17, 2010 (10:52 am)

    Lot more overly judgemental people in this part of town than I’d thought.

  • sophista-tiki June 17, 2010 (11:58 am)

    aw man that Rite Aid location on California would have been perfect

  • Cloudbreak June 17, 2010 (12:21 pm)

    Glenda– there are a TON of great “take and go” food options in the Deli dept. of the QFC. (Not to mention Metro Mkt. in Admiral & at Morgan St. Thriftway.)

    As for whatever else those naysayers/ complainers have been saying by way of knocking TJ’s. As many of commented– you absolutely don’t need to shop there if you don’t want to. TJ’s is not the be-all and end-all for all your food needs in any case, but it does have a great array of wonderful items @ very reasonable prices to supplement what else you buy at the regular grocery store, Costco, or wherever you shop for food these days.

  • Baba June 17, 2010 (3:24 pm)

    I’m actually very happy for mr. Huling. I was starting to feel sorry for the guy lately…That bicycle shop and two car sales places with 4 cars on the lot had me worried for a while…If there is anything I know about TJ, they must’ve gotten a hell of a lease deal!!!

  • Cathy in WS June 17, 2010 (5:06 pm)

    heh heh – I started those rumors many many years ago as an experiment to see if we could manifest a TJs – and it looks like we did. NOW what shall we work on?

  • Garden_nymph June 17, 2010 (5:34 pm)

    Hmmm, let’s see, how about switching the TJ’s to the Rite-Aid location on California and make this one a first run movie theater!? That’s just my dream… if we lived in a “perfect world.” Then again, in a perfect, all those who wanted to work would have jobs and the Gulf wouldn’t be the oily cesspool it is currently. On a happy note, great job Cathy for rallying West Seattle and finally getting us a store.

  • Lindpar June 17, 2010 (7:19 pm)

    It would be great if the entire former Huling Bros. compound could be turned into mixed use development. I’m so sick of seeing blocks of beautiful old single family homes in the Junction area bulldozed to make way for townhouse/condo developments. Why not bulldoze this concrete blight to make way for new development?

  • dsa June 17, 2010 (10:45 pm)

    Rite-Aid is fine where it is. If you want to pick on a drugstore go after Walgreens.

  • Sherri June 18, 2010 (8:54 am)

    We’re just so happy to have a West Seattle TJ’s . The Rite Aid spot on California would have been great, as would the rumored use of the site at the corner of Roxbury and 35th where the old Safeway was. We’re still holding out hope for that one.. if we can have multiple Safeways, why not multiple TJs?

  • sarelly June 18, 2010 (2:41 pm)

    Wish someone would put a real supermarket on 35th, near the Morgan commercial strip.

    Whatever happened to Hancock Fabrics? I miss them.

    But this is good news – I think will have a positive impact on the area.

  • grr June 19, 2010 (11:10 am)

    oh good lord..ya’d think aliens landed or it was the 2nd coming or something… IT”S A FOOD STORE :)

    pretty much guarantees WF ain’t gonna fill The Hole now. Might as well make it a movie theater.

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