Photo courtesy David PrasadRepresentatives of alternative grocer Trader Joe's announced April 18 plans to open its first Austin location in 2013. The company will build its new store at the Seaholm development site in southwest downtown.
The California-based business signed a lease for property located at 211 Seaholm Drive for its planned 11,500-square-foot facility, according to an April 18 news release.
Trader Joe's will be part of the redevelopment of the former Seaholm Power Plant site, a 7.8-acre, mixed-use project featuring space for offices, local retail shops, condos, a luxury boutique hotel and an acre of outdoor event space.
The chain, which has more than 365 locations in 32 states, features premium imported and domestic foods and beverages at competitive prices.
An online petition asking Trader Joe's management to open a location in Austin had a total of 4,484 signatures as of April 18. The petition states, "We believe that a Trader Joe's would prosper and thrive in such a young, hip and upcoming city as Austin."
The Austin location marks the eighth Texas store the company has announced. Others include stores in Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Plano and The Woodlands.
