What's inside the new Sugar House Trader Joe's
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Trader Joe's in Sugar House. Photo: Kim Bojórquez/Axios.
Salt Lake City's second Trader Joe's opened in early October in Sugar House, becoming Utah's fifth location.
Why it matters: The Southern California-based grocery chain boasts more affordable goods compared with other competitors, including Kroger stores and Whole Foods, and has amassed a cult following since opening in 1967..
- About 80% of its products are made under the company's brand.
State of play: You can get specialty items you may not find at a traditional grocery store, including microwave-ready chicken tikka masala, green onion pancakes and its beloved cookie butter.
The vibe: The 10,600-square-foot store, located at the former Pep Boys on 2160 S. 700 East, includes murals and displays showcasing neighborhood pride.
- The area's Sugar House Monument and colorful 9th and 9th whale sculpture, alongside "Scandinavian Swimmers" gummies jumping out of their package, are prominently featured.
- The store's layout feels smarter compared to that of the similarly sized downtown location.
- Unlike in the first store, most refrigerated ready-to-eat items can be found in the back of the store, avoiding a crammed produce section. Baked goods are kept with dried snacks.
Yes, but: Like its predecessor, it shares a parking lot with a strip mall and restaurant.
What they're saying: "Trader Joe's chose [Sugar House] because we feel the community and location are a great fit," Nakia Rohde, a public relations manager for the company, tells Axios in an email.
Between the lines: The new store is expected to alleviate pressure on the original 400 South location, which can become overcrowded during peak hours.
Flashback: Trader Joe's first landed in Utah in 2012. Other locations are in Cottonwood Heights, Draper and Orem.
My thought bubble: If Trader Joe's sets its eyes on the Salt Lake area again, let's hope it considers a store on the west side, where fresh food is harder to access.
Hours: It's open 9am-9pm daily.