Corey Knows Best: An Open Letter To Trader Joe's

My dearest Trader Joe's, You see, we moved this summer. About a thousand miles south, where there's beach and water and palm trees and warm weather. 

And we found this terrific neighborhood where there are tons of kids, a million things to do, and things are good.  So good.  But there's one thing missing.

You.

In Cincinnati, there may have only been one of you, but that's all I need.  I only need one place to buy your delicious food that is lacking preservatives and overflowing with real ingredients and priced just perfectly.  I only need one place to buy a case of two buck Chuck (10 percent off when you buy a case, you almost have to buy a case, right?)

I only need one place where it feels like home when you walk in the door.  Just one store where they make dinner easy.  So easy.  And healthy.  Over the years you have saved me time, saved me calories, saved me money, and saved the day.  You know Florida right? I mean you know about the aforementioned beaches and palm trees and water.

But do you know about Westchase?  Because you, Mr. Trader, would thrive here.  I promise.  Pinky swear.  You'd be hard pressed to find a location more packed with families and ready for you to come to town.  I'm just saying.I heard you were opening a store in Naples.  A six hour round trip with two children under three in the back of my minivan is a tad much TJ.  But surely if you are opening in Naples, you are considering elsewhere.  Because there has to be a supply chain.  Right?  And that supply chain, to get to Naples, has to go right through Tampa, does it not?

Just want to make sure these are things you have considered as you grow your family.  Because my family misses you. So, Mr. Joe.  As you continue to thrive in cities across the Midwest and around the country, I hope you will consider us, down here in the sunshine state.  Specifically Westchase.  But if you find a more suitable location in Greater Tampa (although you'll be hard pressed to do so) that's cool too.

Yours Truly,

Corey Knows Best ~ Trader Joe's lover and blogger

PS: I know this is slightly dramatic and over the top.  I'm excellent at being dramatic and over the top.  But it's a start, right?  I know I'm not the only one who feels this way! There's a Facebook page already established, however it appears to have lost some steam.  Maybe we can give it a boost.