Trader Joe’s Lakewood Ranch location to open next week
By Breanne Williams
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Oct 20, 2023

Trader Joe’s has announced it will officially open the doors of its Lakewood Ranch location on Oct. 26.

The California-based specialty grocer’s new store, at 8111 Cooper Creek Blvd., is located in The Shoppes at University Town Center. According to Trader Joe’s, the interior artwork of the store will “highlight neighboring parks and schools, wildlife and local activities.” Benderson Development is the shopping center developer and is also behind the Mall at University Town Center.

Hiring efforts began on Oct. 9, and the company was looking to hire approximately 40 local crew members for the location. According to the company, there are still positions available. The 12,000-square-foot store will be between Lakewood Ranch and The Mall at University Town Center.

Doors open at 8 a.m. on Oct. 26, and there will be a ceremonial ribbon cutting at 7:55 a.m. to mark the grand opening.

The store will, via Trader Joe’s Neighborhood Shares Program, “donate 100% of products that go unsold but remain fit to enjoy to a range of nonprofit, community-based organizations, seven days a week.”

Trader Joe’s first opened in Pasadena, California in 1967. Since then, it has expanded nationwide to more than 540 locations in 42 states. The grocer has developed a cult following and has locations in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota.