It All Started in the 50s...
Would you believe we started out as a small chain of convenience stores? It’s true. Way back in 1958. We were called Pronto Markets. In ’67, our founder, the original Trader Joe, changed our name and the way we do business. In the 60s, that was referred to as getting groovy.
We made the stores bigger - yes, they were even smaller back in the day - decked the walls with cedar planks and put the crew in these cool Hawaiian shirts.
Most importantly, we started putting innovative, hard-to-find, great-tasting foods in the “Trader Joe’s” name. That cut our costs and saved you money. Still does.
These days, we have more than 300 stores in 25 states and the District of Columbia. And because of you, we’re growing a little bit more every day. If there’s a Trader Joe’s
in your neighborhood, stop on in and say hello. If we haven’t put down roots in your neighborhood yet, please be patient with us. We’re growing as fast as we can!
