Cary Grocery Options Improve

By on November 28, 2006

In case you’ve been under a rock, Trader Joe’s first area store opened yesterday in Cary. The store is about half the size of the former Winn-Dixie (about the size of two typical parcels in Cameron Village), and is a good addition to the area.

TJ’s carries many groceries including various cheeses, meats, canned goods chips, and more. Other than the flowers and things on the health aisle, it appeared that the store only contains Trader Joe branded, edible items (no paper products, cups, etc.). The bagged nuts and breads were the most impressive items I found. Beyond that there were few items that could not be found at competing higher end grocery stores. To be fair, I must admit that I have not bought and consumed any of their food yet, so I have no concept of the food quality.

I unfortunately encountered a disproportionate number of rude
customers. After a few rude parking lot experiences, I was run into by
a couple of people’s shopping carts. Maybe the excitement of the new store got the best of them.

The store decor is quite plain, as seen in many of the photos in this Google search. Lighting is by 2′x4′ fluorescent tube panels, and the racks are no frills. The sound system is one of the worst I’ve ever heard (that includes my grandfather’s old a.m. radio he kept in the workshop for over 30 years.).

Trader Joe’s is a cultural experience. I never think about what some claim "C.a.r.y." stands for, but I was clearly reminded in TJ’s. The store was full of people who live in Carry, and none of those who live in Cayree.

The rumor mill says that Trader Joe’s is looking at space in Raleigh, perhaps Cameron Village. This would be a nice addition for the ITB area, however TJ’s is probably not a store to which people will drive more than 15 minutes. It is a nice addition for the area, however it hardly has the initial "WOW" factor seen in other coveted chains like IKEA, Dean & Deluca (the real one, not like they have in Charlotte), and Eatzi’s.

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In other Carying foodie news, the Fresh Market has moved its Cary store to a large new location on Cary Parkway near Waldo Rd. Where’s Waldo?

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Posted in Cary, Retail | 78 Responses

http://rc3.org/ Rafe

People literally drive for hours to get to Trader Joe’s. Trader Joe’s products have an excellent reputation, and they often cost as little as half as much as they would at a place like Whole Foods or Earth Fare.
http://rc3.org/ Rafe

People literally drive for hours to get to Trader Joe’s. Trader Joe’s products have an excellent reputation, and they often cost as little as half as much as they would at a place like Whole Foods or Earth Fare.
Joey

I drove to Virginia to get to TJs, so I think several people would drive more than 15 minutes to get there.
And I grew up in Cayree (and out when it became Carry).
Joey

I drove to Virginia to get to TJs, so I think several people would drive more than 15 minutes to get there.
And I grew up in Cayree (and out when it became Carry).
Emily

I love love love Trader Joes and I’m so happy to hear they are finally moving into NC.
Emily

I love love love Trader Joes and I’m so happy to hear they are finally moving into NC.
http://www.google.com/ jdc

TJ’s is definitely a “drive to” kind of place. Way to go on pulling one Raleigh.
I’d love a D & D in Raleigh. Is there something wrong with the one in Charlotte? I’ve been to the original in Soho and thought Charlotte’s was more impressive.
http://www.google.com jdc

TJ’s is definitely a “drive to” kind of place. Way to go on pulling one Raleigh.
I’d love a D & D in Raleigh. Is there something wrong with the one in Charlotte? I’ve been to the original in Soho and thought Charlotte’s was more impressive.
http://www.ryanirelan.com/ Ryan

Yeah, you’re way off your take on TJs and it’s appeal.
Also, I love this backhanded comment and your apparent loathing of transplants:
Trader Joe’s is a cultural experience. I never think about what some claim “C.a.r.y.” stands for, but I was clearly reminded in TJ’s. The store was full of people who live in Carry, and none of those who live in Cayree.
That’s because Trader Joe’s doesn’t primarily appeal to your Cayree folk. It appeals to folks from the western US who may or may not be more cultured.
I was also there yesterday and didn’t run into any rude, but to insinuate that it was the transplants that made it a rude experience is, well, rude. When in fact it was the sheer number of people in the store at one time that made it a stressful experience.
I’m surprised at your take on the new TJs.
Trader Joe’s is yet another piece of the puzzle to make the Raleigh area a nicer (and cooler) place to live. Isn’t that your M.O.?
http://www.ryanirelan.com Ryan

Yeah, you’re way off your take on TJs and it’s appeal.
Also, I love this backhanded comment and your apparent loathing of transplants:
Trader Joe’s is a cultural experience. I never think about what some claim “C.a.r.y.” stands for, but I was clearly reminded in TJ’s. The store was full of people who live in Carry, and none of those who live in Cayree.
That’s because Trader Joe’s doesn’t primarily appeal to your Cayree folk. It appeals to folks from the western US who may or may not be more cultured.
I was also there yesterday and didn’t run into any rude, but to insinuate that it was the transplants that made it a rude experience is, well, rude. When in fact it was the sheer number of people in the store at one time that made it a stressful experience.
I’m surprised at your take on the new TJs.
Trader Joe’s is yet another piece of the puzzle to make the Raleigh area a nicer (and cooler) place to live. Isn’t that your M.O.?
Beth Y

Were we in the same store yesterday? What does TJ’s have to do with who lives in Cary?? Anyway, I loved TJ’s and am happy it is here. If you went looking for D&D…you; can’t compare them. D&D; is all price and pretention. Trader Joes is low priced, quality, unprocessed food and lack of pretention. I got a number of items that I regularly get at WHole Foods for way less, sometimes half the price. And the quality was as good if not better. This is not a chi-chi, gourmet grocery store with “atmosphere” and it is not trying to be. It is offering quality food for really low prices. I, personally, am thrilled they are here. I will shop there way more than I would shop at a high priced “gourmet” store.
Beth Y

Were we in the same store yesterday? What does TJ’s have to do with who lives in Cary?? Anyway, I loved TJ’s and am happy it is here. If you went looking for D&D…you can’t compare them. D&D is all price and pretention. Trader Joes is low priced, quality, unprocessed food and lack of pretention. I got a number of items that I regularly get at WHole Foods for way less, sometimes half the price. And the quality was as good if not better. This is not a chi-chi, gourmet grocery store with “atmosphere” and it is not trying to be. It is offering quality food for really low prices. I, personally, am thrilled they are here. I will shop there way more than I would shop at a high priced “gourmet” store.
chris Johnson

Mr. Raleighing am I hearing you right? If so, your street cred just went down a notch or two. Get a clue, people will absolutely drive more than 15 minutes to get one and its definitely worth the trip. In the case of opening one in Raleigh, Trader Joes should have opened in place of the Capital City Grocery if you ask me. Unfortunately that place isn’t going to survive.
chris Johnson

Mr. Raleighing am I hearing you right? If so, your street cred just went down a notch or two. Get a clue, people will absolutely drive more than 15 minutes to get one and its definitely worth the trip. In the case of opening one in Raleigh, Trader Joes should have opened in place of the Capital City Grocery if you ask me. Unfortunately that place isn’t going to survive.
Jeff S

That so many people are expecting to drive halfway across the triangle for a grocery store is the perfect example of what’s wrong with this area. How much oil are you burning to save two dollars on your bag of nuts? While it might be a nice store, I’ll leave it to the people of Cary, Carry and Cayree.
For an area this large, I would expect to have better grocery options. I guess short of the largest cities, what I’m looking for just may not exist.
Jeff – who misses Wellspring, thinks Whole Foods has sold out to the yuppies, and feels that EarthFare is a tacky wannabe.
Jeff S

That so many people are expecting to drive halfway across the triangle for a grocery store is the perfect example of what’s wrong with this area. How much oil are you burning to save two dollars on your bag of nuts? While it might be a nice store, I’ll leave it to the people of Cary, Carry and Cayree.
For an area this large, I would expect to have better grocery options. I guess short of the largest cities, what I’m looking for just may not exist.
Jeff – who misses Wellspring, thinks Whole Foods has sold out to the yuppies, and feels that EarthFare is a tacky wannabe.
Dana

Like I said, TD’s is a nice addition and we’d be better off having a second store. I’m going to need some help in justifying ALL of the hype, and I mean there’s been a LOT of it. We’ve been getting email after email for months about how wonderful the place is. The most exciting thing I found was a big bag of pine nuts; hardly the emotion-stirring event that one’s first trip into Cary’s Grand Asia Market is.
I’ll definitely go back, though. Before that we TJ newbies would love to hear some feedback on which TJ products are really good!
Dana

Like I said, TD’s is a nice addition and we’d be better off having a second store. I’m going to need some help in justifying ALL of the hype, and I mean there’s been a LOT of it. We’ve been getting email after email for months about how wonderful the place is. The most exciting thing I found was a big bag of pine nuts; hardly the emotion-stirring event that one’s first trip into Cary’s Grand Asia Market is.
I’ll definitely go back, though. Before that we TJ newbies would love to hear some feedback on which TJ products are really good!
CM

Yes I drive all the way to Williamsburg to go to Trader Joe’s. No, I don’t drive to Williamsburg JUST for Trader Joe’s, I actually drive there for family. But I always go to Trader Joe’s and stock up on cases of cheap wine. Love 3 buck Chuck. I spend more $$ and Wine and Things, but buy more wine at Trader Joe’s.
Yep I will drive to Cary to visit Trader Joe’s, but it won’t be my only grocery store, no more than is Fresh Market. But I will drive there once in a while to restock the larder, and wine rack.
Oh and the reason the prices are so reasonable is because they dont have fancy lights and PA systems (at least that is the story they tell)
CM

Yes I drive all the way to Williamsburg to go to Trader Joe’s. No, I don’t drive to Williamsburg JUST for Trader Joe’s, I actually drive there for family. But I always go to Trader Joe’s and stock up on cases of cheap wine. Love 3 buck Chuck. I spend more $$ and Wine and Things, but buy more wine at Trader Joe’s.
Yep I will drive to Cary to visit Trader Joe’s, but it won’t be my only grocery store, no more than is Fresh Market. But I will drive there once in a while to restock the larder, and wine rack.
Oh and the reason the prices are so reasonable is because they dont have fancy lights and PA systems (at least that is the story they tell)
Charles Shaw

Trader Joe’s is the most magnificent food shopping store created thus far in human existence. I have the luxury of living within 10 miles of 3 different stores, but you couldn’t be more wrong about how appealing people will find it. this store exudes every quality that embodies cameron village, let alone any place in cary. while certain things may not cost as much, it’s also much more diverse in its selection. i know that harris teeter is big time for raleigh, but you will find things in TJs that you would never see in harris teeter…so don’t worry, it’s keeping up the tradition on undeserved exclusivity that Raleigh thinks it has…meanwhile the rest of the world continues spinning
ps i <3 raleigh, just not the people in it
Charles Shaw

Trader Joe’s is the most magnificent food shopping store created thus far in human existence. I have the luxury of living within 10 miles of 3 different stores, but you couldn’t be more wrong about how appealing people will find it. this store exudes every quality that embodies cameron village, let alone any place in cary. while certain things may not cost as much, it’s also much more diverse in its selection. i know that harris teeter is big time for raleigh, but you will find things in TJs that you would never see in harris teeter…so don’t worry, it’s keeping up the tradition on undeserved exclusivity that Raleigh thinks it has…meanwhile the rest of the world continues spinning
ps i <3 raleigh, just not the people in it
Dana

Well, I just read the sad news that EatZi’s is gone. Like I’ve said before, the prepared foods industry is falling apart. I’d put money on us never getting a Dean & Deluca. In fact, if I had money in that company I’d pull it asap (They aren’t public. I’m just making a point).
Dana

Well, I just read the sad news that EatZi’s is gone. Like I’ve said before, the prepared foods industry is falling apart. I’d put money on us never getting a Dean & Deluca. In fact, if I had money in that company I’d pull it asap (They aren’t public. I’m just making a point).
wendy

I have had the food and it is great in quality and flavors- especially the specialty spreads, sauces, etc… I stock up on cases of Charles Shaw wine every time I am in DC. I will drive the 20 minutes to Cary- even though I wish it were in Raleigh to keep my wine stock full!!!! I have not been yet but usually the theme is quite festive in the store? Bright colors and an island type theme- did they not do that here?
wendy

I have had the food and it is great in quality and flavors- especially the specialty spreads, sauces, etc… I stock up on cases of Charles Shaw wine every time I am in DC. I will drive the 20 minutes to Cary- even though I wish it were in Raleigh to keep my wine stock full!!!! I have not been yet but usually the theme is quite festive in the store? Bright colors and an island type theme- did they not do that here?
MikeB

“I was also there yesterday and didn’t run into any rude, but to insinuate that it was the transplants that made it a rude experience is, well, rude.”
Well, sometimes the truth hurts!
TJ’s is great and all but give me Fresh Market any day of the week.
MikeB

“I was also there yesterday and didn’t run into any rude, but to insinuate that it was the transplants that made it a rude experience is, well, rude.”
Well, sometimes the truth hurts!
TJ’s is great and all but give me Fresh Market any day of the week.
guest

I love me some TJs, but I hate me some Cary traffic. As a result, I doubt I’ll go there as often as I might if it were elsewhere in Raleigh. I agree with Beth-it should have gone into the Cap City Grocery location. I was not impressed when I visited there a couple weeks ago.
guest

I love me some TJs, but I hate me some Cary traffic. As a result, I doubt I’ll go there as often as I might if it were elsewhere in Raleigh. I agree with Beth-it should have gone into the Cap City Grocery location. I was not impressed when I visited there a couple weeks ago.
chelseapup

Disregarding that I sound like an echo, I too think you are way off. Not only would I drive to VA to go to Trader Joe’s, I used to take an extra suitcase to CA whenever I would fly there just to bring back TJ’s dry goods. The quality and prices of a lot of their items so far surpass what is available here that it’s not even an interesting conversation. Fifteen minutes is nothing for Trader Joe’s, and that’s coming from someone who drives so very little that I buy gas about once every 6 weeks.
As far as it being in Cary, yes, I was disappointed in the location, but only because I get lost easily in Cary. I would have much rather seen it in North Hills.
Even if you just go for the wine, it’s well worth the drive – no matter how far.
chelseapup

Disregarding that I sound like an echo, I too think you are way off. Not only would I drive to VA to go to Trader Joe’s, I used to take an extra suitcase to CA whenever I would fly there just to bring back TJ’s dry goods. The quality and prices of a lot of their items so far surpass what is available here that it’s not even an interesting conversation. Fifteen minutes is nothing for Trader Joe’s, and that’s coming from someone who drives so very little that I buy gas about once every 6 weeks.
As far as it being in Cary, yes, I was disappointed in the location, but only because I get lost easily in Cary. I would have much rather seen it in North Hills.
Even if you just go for the wine, it’s well worth the drive – no matter how far.
debra

Despite the tired and typical dig on transplants, new options for healthy food worth the drive. If it weren’t for people moving here from ALL over the country the triangle wouldn’t be growing as everyone seems to desire.
Not all those who call Cary, ‘Carry’ are rude, just like not all those from ‘Cayree’ are dense.
debra

Despite the tired and typical dig on transplants, new options for healthy food worth the drive. If it weren’t for people moving here from ALL over the country the triangle wouldn’t be growing as everyone seems to desire.
Not all those who call Cary, ‘Carry’ are rude, just like not all those from ‘Cayree’ are dense.
Sharon

I went to TJ’s yesterday, and it’s okay and a good deal if you regularly shop at places like Whole Foods. They do have a great return policy if you don’t like something you try there. Got some Two (actually three) Buck Chuck, looking forward to trying that. I won’t go out of my way to drive there from N Raleigh, but if in Cary area, I might stop by.
Sharon

I went to TJ’s yesterday, and it’s okay and a good deal if you regularly shop at places like Whole Foods. They do have a great return policy if you don’t like something you try there. Got some Two (actually three) Buck Chuck, looking forward to trying that. I won’t go out of my way to drive there from N Raleigh, but if in Cary area, I might stop by.
Kelly C

A few of my favorite TJ’s products: wine (in addition to Charles Shaw, the Black Mountain “Fat Cat” Cab and many others at the $5.99 price point are great), vodka marinara sauce, frozen tamales (chicken or green chile & cheese-yum!), frozen potstickers (veggie, chicken, pork), frozen shu mai (chicken or shrimp), great assortment of cheeses (on Monday got an Iberico for $7.99/lb–1/2 what it would be at Whole Foods), tuna w/red panang curry sauce (in a pouch in a box), chocolates, fresh-squeezed OJ, hormone-free milk (cheapest in town), spicy black bean dip, gnocchi alla sorrentina (frozen). Enjoy!
Kelly C

A few of my favorite TJ’s products: wine (in addition to Charles Shaw, the Black Mountain “Fat Cat” Cab and many others at the $5.99 price point are great), vodka marinara sauce, frozen tamales (chicken or green chile & cheese-yum!), frozen potstickers (veggie, chicken, pork), frozen shu mai (chicken or shrimp), great assortment of cheeses (on Monday got an Iberico for $7.99/lb–1/2 what it would be at Whole Foods), tuna w/red panang curry sauce (in a pouch in a box), chocolates, fresh-squeezed OJ, hormone-free milk (cheapest in town), spicy black bean dip, gnocchi alla sorrentina (frozen). Enjoy!
Betsy

Holy smokes, all that food sounds fabulous, Kelly. I can’t wait to go check it out!
Betsy

Holy smokes, all that food sounds fabulous, Kelly. I can’t wait to go check it out!
Matt

You CAN’T beat Trader Joe’s Canned Foods! The Chicken Chili and Beef Stew just pure rock.
AND PS- Hey I live in Cary and am truly a C.A.R.Y person, and I love it and talk better about this state than most ‘natives’, sooooo don’t bust on us relocators, we’re as happy to be out of the Northern-cess-pool-hell-hole as you are to be here in the first place.
Matt

You CAN’T beat Trader Joe’s Canned Foods! The Chicken Chili and Beef Stew just pure rock.
AND PS- Hey I live in Cary and am truly a C.A.R.Y person, and I love it and talk better about this state than most ‘natives’, sooooo don’t bust on us relocators, we’re as happy to be out of the Northern-cess-pool-hell-hole as you are to be here in the first place.
rayzer

Trader Joes RULES. They should’ve located at Seaboard Station, but that’s their mistake, they were invited. However ALDI is a not-so-close second when it comes to canned goods.
rayzer

Trader Joes RULES. They should’ve located at Seaboard Station, but that’s their mistake, they were invited. However ALDI is a not-so-close second when it comes to canned goods.
CM

Of course, you know that ALDI owns Trader Joe’s, right?
(sorry if that bursts any bubbles out there)
CM

Of course, you know that ALDI owns Trader Joe’s, right?
(sorry if that bursts any bubbles out there)
Matt S

I’m the guy who said he likes the canned goods. So I went to Trader Joe’s last night and the shelves were empty! No like seriously, they couldn’t keep the stock up. It was unreal. It looked like a Harris Teeter when they are calling for an inch of snow!
Matt S

I’m the guy who said he likes the canned goods. So I went to Trader Joe’s last night and the shelves were empty! No like seriously, they couldn’t keep the stock up. It was unreal. It looked like a Harris Teeter when they are calling for an inch of snow!
Mike H

To each his own, I suppose. Interestingly enough, I got a kick out of that comment on the “wow” factor of “Grand Asia Market.” Having moved to the Triangle from the San Fran. Bay Area, my initial reaction to it was one of poignant disappointment…it is far inferior and lacking in selection from the numerous asian supermarkets in the bay area. I couldn’t even find half the products I was looking for.
OTOH, Trader Joe’s is a godsend in my book. Back in CA, I had one literally a 90-second walk from the front door of my apartment. I had been missing the liter of olive oil for $6.99, the hormone-free milk, the bruschetta, the pesto, the frozen quiches, potstickers, and siu mai, the indian food, the dried nuts, the $1.99/pound ground beef, the San Pellegrino for $1.19/bottle, the tortellinis, the soups, the log of goat cheese for a steal…
I spent $96 there on the first go-around last Monday and will be doing the 25-minute Durham-Cary drive every few weeks. It’s not just about the price…it’s about the sheer lack of a substitute for certain products without Trader Joe’s presence. Even with Whole Foods, Weaver Street and the like up here, I had to totally ditch a few of my trademark recipes with the lack of a TJ because the ingredients just weren’t working out.
Mike H

To each his own, I suppose. Interestingly enough, I got a kick out of that comment on the “wow” factor of “Grand Asia Market.” Having moved to the Triangle from the San Fran. Bay Area, my initial reaction to it was one of poignant disappointment…it is far inferior and lacking in selection from the numerous asian supermarkets in the bay area. I couldn’t even find half the products I was looking for.
OTOH, Trader Joe’s is a godsend in my book. Back in CA, I had one literally a 90-second walk from the front door of my apartment. I had been missing the liter of olive oil for $6.99, the hormone-free milk, the bruschetta, the pesto, the frozen quiches, potstickers, and siu mai, the indian food, the dried nuts, the $1.99/pound ground beef, the San Pellegrino for $1.19/bottle, the tortellinis, the soups, the log of goat cheese for a steal…
I spent $96 there on the first go-around last Monday and will be doing the 25-minute Durham-Cary drive every few weeks. It’s not just about the price…it’s about the sheer lack of a substitute for certain products without Trader Joe’s presence. Even with Whole Foods, Weaver Street and the like up here, I had to totally ditch a few of my trademark recipes with the lack of a TJ because the ingredients just weren’t working out.

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