Bridgewater Trader Joe's Will Still Open Friday After Fire

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Trader Joe's says they will be opening Friday as originally planned following a fire that broke out Thursday at the new location in Bridgewater.

"The Bridgewater store WILL open as planned tomorrow, at 9 a.m. Grand opening ceremony starts at 8:55 a.m." a Trader Joe's spokeswoman said.

The new store at 315 Promenade Blvd. in Bridgewater will not be selling alcohol.

The fire broke out as workers in the new grocery store were welding in the back of the store around 11:20 a.m., Finderne Fire Chief Mike Jannone said. The fire alarm went off after the welding had ignited some of the insulation in the wall, causing a fire, Jannone said.

The fire was inside the wall and significant smoke was reported when firefighters arrived.

Firefighters were able to quickly put out the fire.

Damage to the store was contained to the rear of the building and consisted of insulation and Sheetrock damage. A hole was cut into the roof to ventilate the building, Bridgewater Police Lt. John Mitzak said.

Workers inside were evacuated and there were no reported injuries.

A Health Department Officer went to the store to determine whether the food inside the store had to be thrown out.

"Some food products were embargoed in the back room. However, Trader Joe’s is working to clean the back area and address health and fire concerns in order to have their grand opening tomorrow. The Bridgewater Township health and fire department will re-inspect the establishment prior to them opening," said Bridgewater Health Officer Vanessa Freire as of 4:05 p.m.

The specialty grocery store will be opening in the Bridgewater Promenade between Routes 28 and East Main Street. Trader Joe's will replace the former Golfsmith store which was located next to Old Navy.

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