Employees are busy putting finishing touches on the 9,300-square-foot store, located at Tower Shops at 2296 S. University Dr., and will throw open its doors on Friday, October 9, at 8 a.m. with an official lei cutting ceremony.
According to store captain (that's manager in Trader Joe's speak) Paul Brumwell, the celebrations continue all day with food sampling from open until closing, wine sampling from noon to 7 p.m., complimentary leis (while supplies last), and plenty of other surprises, including a one-man steel drum band.
The store also has ample parking, both dedicated for Trader Joe's and in the massive Tower Shops parking lot. Davie police will be on hand to ensure a good flow of traffic during opening weekend.
Though Trader Joe's is a chain based in Monrovia, California, it's known for embracing the communities where it sets up shop. The Davie store is no exception. Captain Paul, a Key West native, pointed out some Western-themed motifs, in tribute to Davie's parks and Bergeron Rodeo Grounds.
Above the dairy section, for example, you'll find cowgirls lassoing up some milk and
A horse mural for the back wall was still being finished. All the artwork is hand painted for the store.
Joe's Eatery is where you can find free coffee and food samples. Now that the store is opening, the question is what to buy from the 3,000 different items offered? Captain Paul was happy to provide his picks.
The beer section, named the brewery, has a great selection of both Trader Joe's own beers, and local favorites, including seasonal favorite Sweet Potato Casserole from Funky Buddha ($11.99).
Of course, Trader Joe's features the famous Charles Shaw wine, better known as Two-Buck Chuck (actually $2.99), but Captain Paul prefers the store's reserve wines, which range from $5.99 to about $15.
This 2013 California Merlot ($9.99) is a standout, according to our captain.
If you're a fan of Moscow mules, pick up some brewed ginger beer ($3.99). "It's spicy, with the lime built in. Just add ice and vodka," says Captain Paul.
Mango fans will want to grab a few packages of dried mango ($2.99). These
Hosting a tailgate? Take home a bottle of organic sriracha garlic barbecue sauce ($2.99). "There are no preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors, and the sriracha adds a touch of heat to the sweetness of the sauce."
How can you improve on a big bowl of mac 'n' cheese ($2.99)? Add a dollop of that sriracha barbecue sauce to it. Captain Paul swears by it. "I had a crew member tell me about adding the barbecue sauce to the
Snack attack coming on? Open a bag of cheddar or
"I love cereal bars, but it's hard to find ones without high fructose corn syrup," says Captain Paul. The Trader Joe's kind has none of that bad stuff, plus they're cheaper at $1.99 per box. Look for the seasonal pumpkin if you're craving a taste of fall.
If you need a java fix, head for the Costa Rican Terrazu coffee ($6.99). "It's rich, with a nice finish," says the captain.
Trader Joe's Davie (2296 S. University Dr.) is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Trader Joe's Fort Lauderdale, located at 1590 N. Federal Hwy. in the 1600 Commons shopping plaza, will celebrate its grand opening on Thursday, October 15.