08/01/09

PERFECT

by hudihooo

Forget Safeway, Albertsons, or any other super market. Trader Joe's is the perfect small grocery store with the best unique products. Trader Joe's is an adventure of new weekly discoveries.

Pricing? Can you beat a pound of hamburger for $1.99?

Let this be our little secret...

• Pros: Staff, Pricing, Food, Unique Products
• Cons: Limited Locations

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.