In the late 1950s, the retail grocery chain Trader Joe’s made its first appearance in Pasadena, Calif. In the ‘80s, they expanded to Northern California and in the ‘90s, they began to add stores to other states near and on the West Coast, including Oregon, Washington and Nevada. In the following two decades, they began to open many more stores, making their 400 store franchise mark in 2013. In 2000, Trader Joe’s opened their first locations in the Midwest, and on this Friday, Sept. 25, Grand Rapids will join that growing list.

Trader Joe’s is a retail grocery store known for its original products, organic and international foods, low prices and Hawaiian-themed interior. Now the need to drive to the east side of the state is over, as the store has arrived in this beloved city. Traditionally, new store openings are introduced with a ribbon cutting ceremony, but Trader Joe’s and Grand Rapids have decided to mix it up and instead, keep Trader Joe’s trademark as the staff hosts a ceremonial lei cutting followed by the grand opening. But that’s not the only way that this will differ from other grand openings. Rather than focus on big deals and savings to draw in customers on the opening day, Trader Joe’s plans to celebrate with live music, food demonstrations,face-painting for children and a photo booth.

A unique feature that will separate this new location from others around the nation is their focus on Grand Rapids, including local items such as Founders and Michigan Bee Company products. Additionally, colorful murals paying homage to Grand Rapids will be included with the tropical interior, a perfect mix of the store’s integration of local and international products.

Trader Joe’s resides on 28th Street, taking the place of the now retired Ruby Tuesday storefront. The Grand Rapids location will be one of seven Trader Joe’s in Michigan, and it looks like it will be one of the smallest, which is good news for local shoppers.  A quarter of the size of a regular grocery store, this Trader Joe’s will allow for lower prices and easier navigation around the store, which will come in handy when there are so many new-to-West Michigan products to choose from, allowing us to avoid those dreaded minutes of wandering around the store just to check off grocery list items. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Trader Joe’s will be a welcome addition to the always growing city.