With all the options of grocery stores, it is time to try some place that is unlike any other.
Is it Hy-Vee?
Nope.
Fareway?
Nope.
Aldi?
Getting closer….
Today we are trying out snacks from Trader Joe’s!
Help us sustain our podcast and keep us trying foods like these!
Which Trader Joe’s snacks are we trying today?
Chocolate Dark Almond Butter Pretzel Nuggets
Snacky Clusters
These Sprinkles Walk Into A Sandwich Cookie
Cinnamon Bun Inspired Joe Joe’s
Dark Chocolate Mint Creams
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Who is on this quest?
Nate, nilla bean.
Randi, ready to go.
Matt, trader or traitor?
Amy, coooookies!
And of course, our subscribers! Thanks to our small, yet coveted group. We appreciate the support. You too can join us on this food journey. All you need to do is… SUBSCRIBE!
The History of Trader Joe’s
The first Trader Joe’s opened in Pasadena, California in 1967 by Joe Coulombe. The first store was born out of failure. Joe was working for a pharmacy which decided to launch five convenient stores, making Joe the manager of one of them. The venture failed, and the pharmacy shut the stores down. But instead of letting his store go, Joe decided to buy it from the pharmacy and rebrand it.
His store was branded in a Tiki theme, which was very popular at the time. The store specialized in carrying unique foods that could not be find anywhere else. And it was an immediate hit. The chain quickly grew to over 500 stores in 42 states.
In 1979, Joe sold the company to the owner of Aldi, but stayed on as CEO until his retirement.
Why is this store so popular today? There are many reasons, but a standout reason is it is inexpensive. The store does not run any ads, and they do not carry very many name brands, which is a great way to keep prices down. They also only sell what people want. If you don’t have over stock of a bunch of stuff that sits on the shelf, you keep your margins down by keeping product flowing. They also keep their stores small, and operational costs as low as possible. And it works! People love going there because the stores carry what they want, the employees are friendly, and the prices are cheap!
The Results
**SPOILER ALERT!**
Listen to the episode first if you do not want the results revealed to you yet!
Subscribed
6th/5th Place: Chocolate Dark Almond Butter Pretzel Nuggets
Amy - 3
Matt - 7
Nate - 5
Randi - 6
6th/5th Place: Snacky Clusters
Amy - 5
Matt - 6
Nate - 4
Randi - 6
4th Place: Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Amy - 4
Matt - 6
Nate - 7
Randi - 7
3rd Place : These Sprinkles Walk Into A Sandwich Cookie
Amy - 6
Matt - 7
Nate - 6
Randi - 7
2nd Place: Dark Chocolate Mint Creams
Amy - 9
Matt - 7
Nate - 9
Randi - 9
1st Place: Cinnamon Bun Inspired Joe Joe’s
Amy - 10
Matt - 8
Nate - 8
Randi - 10
There you have it. Cinnamon Bun Inspired Joe Joe’s receives the Quest for the Best seal of approval.
Thank you all for joining us on this episode of Quest for the Best. Let us know what you thought. Which is your favorite Trader Joe’s snack? We would love to hear your rating!
Also, do you have any foods you would love to get the coveted seal of approval? Let us know in the comments what you want to hear next.
And of course, remember to subscribe to hear the latest episodes. And chip in on the podcast! Whatever value you get out of this entertainment, send it back our way. We thank you for the support!
Show Notes:
https://www.rd.com/article/trader-joe-history/
Episode 139: Trader Joe's