Trader Joe's

Fresh produce and gourmet frozen foods sold at affordable prices.

by Martha Burr

In Short
Founder Joseph Coulombe started this L.A.-based convenience chain 34 years ago. Today, you can get exotic, prepackaged frozen foods, fresh salsas, huge portobello mushrooms, baby artichokes and heirloom tomatoes fresher--and cheaper--than at most supermarkets. Inexpensive meat, fish, coffees and teas, dozens of cheeses, grains and pastas cram the shelves. The frozen section features tasty treats, including barbecue chicken pizzas, mushroom risotto and salmon patties. Beer, wine and liquor sections are stocked with very affordable labels.

11/19/06

Cheap unique groceries catered to poor college kids.

by danklus

Trader Joes has everything you can get at a conventional grocery store but with a twist. You wont find your common brands of foods. Trader Joes makes all of their own groceries the way everyone else should. They take a very popular meal, reproduce it, and sell it their way. And the best news is, that its rather inexpensive!! They have many beers and wines for under $5 and bags of chips for $2. They also have the cheapest chevre cheese in town!

• Pros: Cheap food that you will love!!
• Cons: not enough parking, not enough stores around town, and they close fairly early 9pm.