Trader Joes- Greenville,SC

[mustardgirl]

Does anybody know whwn TJ's is opening in Greenville?

[Scirocco]

A friend just mentioned the TJ in Greenville (he hasn't been yet). I had forgotten one was opening there. Curious if anyone's been and how it compares to others.

[Jeff C.]

It's a little on the small side, but a great store nonetheless. Love the "three buck Chuck" wines!

[mustardgirl]

It is a great store, just as good as most in California.
Wine selection not great
I was surprised to find that most of the products I would buy in SF Bay area are available in Greenville.
Well worth the drive to Greenville
We go once a month

[Scirocco]

thanks - that's good to know. I had heard they vary depending on location. We make runs to GVL once in awhile. Cheap liquor, cheap gas and some items we can't get elsewhere! LOL Although I've noticed the gas is NOT that much cheaper these days.

Jeff, so it's "Three Buck Chuck" now? Inflation! haha

[danna]

What are some of your favorites? I've only been there once since it opened, and I didn't fall in love. I'm clearly missing something. I bought some cried cranberries and they were terrible quality. I know that's not much to judge by, so I'd love to hear some specific items.

[Jeff C.]

The cheap table wines, as I've said. I also like their nut butters, multi-grain bagels, snack and nut mixes, some of the full-sized frozen pizzas ( not the little ones), and their European custard-style yogurt.

I didn't like their orange juice. The cranberry-apple butter tastes like baby food. The egg nog was HORRIBLE, even by already low store-bought standards. (It went down the sink.)

But if you shop carefully, you can find some pretty good items at better-than-decent prices.

[Scirocco]

I also read that each TJ can vary because of using regional/local sources, so the same product can be different in each location. There are several lengthy discussions on the "chains" board about what's good and what isn't and what seems to vary by location.

I was excited to try it because I hear all the hype, but have not had access to one until now. From what I've read, it's not really for fresh foods, but can be a great resource for high quality packaged foods (is that an oxymoron?). But I don't really use packaged food. So, I'm curious about what I'll find there that I like.

I guess I'll view it as a good adventure and outing!

[Jeff C.]

Actually, we had some stuffed pork chops from there the other night that were pretty darn good.

[danna]

did you get the chocolate eggnog, described in the Chow story as "ghastly"? I love a good adjective.

[Jeff C.]

Just seeing those two words together kind of makes me want to hurl. Actually, it was their "light" egg nog, which...well, I should have known better...

[guinevere]

According to Channel 4 @ 5pm, it's Oct, 22 @ 8am!

[Jeff C.]

The morning show on WYFF said Oct. 22, but I haven't verified this.