The latest rumor sweeping the city is that a Trader Joe’s grocery store is coming to Athens.
Apparently the lack of somewhat drinkable $3 wine in Athens has become a political issue, because mayoral candidate Brandon Shinholser is jumping on the bandwagon.
Shinholser released a letter today he says he sent to the president of Trader Joe’s. It reads, in part:
In recent months, there have been groups of individuals popping up all over Facebook. Some of those groups totaled as many as 1, 500 local members.
Local businesses, as well as individual patrons, are circulating petitions to show their support for making your company a part of our community. If there is any place that needs a Trader Joe's, any place that is ready for a Trader Joe's, any place that should have a Trader Joe's-it is Athens, Georgia.
Your presence in Athens would mean more than “just another grocery store.”
For one, the people of Athens would consider Trader Joe's a clear winner in their community, because you provide a variety of quality foods at a consistently low price. Secondly, Athens is a city that, like many others in the nation, has a solid moral obligation to recruit business during these recovering times to improve upon and build a stronger community and deliver jobs to its people.
Because of the speculation and rumors, I would like to let you know that your business would be highly appreciated in our community.
The letter is so fawning, it makes me wonder whether Shinholser is running for mayor or a seat on the Trader Joe’s board of directors.
Before anyone gets all excited, if every rumor was true, we’d have two Publix on Jefferson Road, a Whole Foods coming in when St. Joseph’s moves and up to four Trader Joe’s, one at Willowood, one at Homewood, one in Georgia Traditions and another in the new downtown parking deck. In other words, don’t count on it.
- Blake Aued's blog
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Two buck chuck,
Ice it down., Mix it with some 7-up, it's not too bad.
I'd like to see (and am surprised that we don't have) an international farmer's market like Dekalb or the International Market off Steve Reynolds. Maybe we just aren't multi-cultural enough yet.
Jump in front of the parade
Where was Brandon when those of us that live over here were calling Fresh Market and Whole Foods 2 years ago? BTW: Both said that building was too small. Next up for Team Brandon, they're going to explore the possibility of urban chickens and a downtown parking deck.
Farmers' market, Traders Joe's etc
The Farmer's Hardware property on Lexington Rd one mile from loop 10 Bi-Pass could easily be retrofitted for value retail space. A 50,000 sq ft sprinkled retail area on 5 acres fenced and gated with open sheds for growers of produce or nursery products and another 5500 sq ft of storage or market space. Plenty of parking, 25000/day traffic count-great opportunity for entrepenural joint venture with growers, venders, and National Health Foods brand.
Not a bad idea
Everyone likes to see a vacant property re-used, but most grocery store chains prefer to build new. Older stores in the 50,000 square foot range are much smaller than modern stores. The Trader Joe's in Atlanta is pretty small, though, so maybe they would be interested. There are also the vacant Winn-Dixies in Willowood and Homewood and the old Bi-Lo on Milledge.
all the ones ive been to
in portland were small too.
love to see them move in the old winn dixie off lex. but im sure the look would scare them off (and tons of 20 something female customers too)