Trader Joe’s Announces A New Pinellas Location

News footage from the first Tampa area Trader Joe's grand opening back in March of 2014.

Finally! After years of just having 2 locations to choose from, Trader Joe's is opening a third Tampa area location. This one will be in Pinellas County.

Until now, Trader Joe’s only has two locations in the Tampa Bay area. The first opened almost 10 years ago on West Swann Avenue in Tampa. Later another was added on 4th Street North in St. Petersburg. Both have always been super busy. Besides the crowded small aisles, parking during peak shopping periods has always been a challenge. Fans of the grocery market chain have always wondered why Trader Joe's stopped with just the two Tampa area stores. So this new location is welcome news. But where exactly is it?

Trader Joe's posted to their website this week that they'll open their newest grocery store in Tampa Bay. The location is labeled "Clearwater." However, the address is actually in Palm Harbor. The store will open at 33591 US Highway 19 North. That's the Highland Lakes Plaza. Word is this new Trader Joe's will be in the space where Stein Mart was. That puts them right across the street from competitor Sprouts Farmers Market and right next door to a Publix. As to WHEN the new location in Palm Harbor will open, there's no word yet.

Fans got all excited a little over a year ago when a photo went viral of a sign at a construction site in Safety Harbor. A small sign at the Northwood Oaks shopping center read: “No Trespassing: Authorized personnel only inside fenced area by order of management.” Right below that warning was the Trader Joe’s logo. It was once a Sweetbay but had been sitting empty since 2021. The sign was apparently a hoax.

The announcement of the new "Clearwater" location on the Trader Joe's website reads: "At Trader Joe's in Clearwater , we see ourselves as your neighborhood grocery store. Step inside and you'll find unconventional and interesting products in the Trader Joe's label like Mandarin Orange Chicken and Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate, as well as everyday basics like milk, eggs and fresh produce. Most importantly, we offer all of our delicious, quality products at the very best prices. We’re happy to be part of your community, and proud to offer you unique products and an exceptional shopping experience, every day."

Trader Joe's die hard fans and customers have revealed their favorite products for 2023. For the 14th year, Trader Joe's released their Customer Choice Awards. They asked shoppers to pick their favorite item across nine categories: overall, beverage, cheese, entrée, household, produce, snack, sweet/dessert, and vegan/vegetarian. Surprisingly, the viral sensation Mandarin Orange Chicken, was not on the list! Here's the most popular products that Trader Joe's customers love.

You won't find the Mandarin Orange Chicken on this list because TJ retired it. Five other products that made the list in previous years have also excluded. The Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets, Unexpected Cheddar, and Soy Chorizo are also living in retirement. To find their answers on their most popular products, Trader Joe's asked shoppers the important question:

The company had over 18,000 customers respond! Here's what made their favorite list. You can find these products at the Tampa or St. Pete Trader Joe's location.

[Source: Fox 13 News]

These spicy little scrolls made from stone ground corn masa that is cut, rolled, and fried to a captivating crunchiness—then generously dusted with hot chili & lime flavored seasoning.

TJ's Hashbrowns
Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings
Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend - We use this on EVERYTHING (no pun intended)
4 Chocolate Croissants

This is a three-ingredient blend of 100% Honeycrisp apple juice, water, and bubbles. Too bad it's not on the shelf year-round.

Triple Ginger Brew (seasonal)
Sparkling Peach Black Tea with Peach Juice
Sparkling Cranberry & Ginger Beverage (seasonal)
Non-Dairy Brown Sugar Oat Creamer

This full-bodied English cheddar is mixed with onion marmalade for a memorable, sweet-savory bite.

Syrah Soaked Toscano
Baked Lemon Ricotta (seasonal)
Blueberry & Vanilla Chèvre
Brie (various)

Trader Joe's has the best pre-made meals around. This is an authentic Indian recipe that's mildly spiced and partnered with delicate, fragrant grains of Basmati rice.

Chicken Tikka Masala
Kung Pao Chicken
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese (seasonal)
BBQ Teriyaki Chicken

Who doesn't love a scented candle? Trader Joe’s Scented Candles are made with a paraben-free, soy-wax blend imbued with sweet fragrance and hand-poured into a portable lidded tin. They burn for up to 20 hours and have the best seasonal scents!

Daily Facial Sunscreen
Ultra-Moisturizng Hand Cream
Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo & Conditioner
Shea Butter & Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Trader Joe's Organic Bananas are an incredible value at 25¢ each, every day!

Teeny Tiny Avocados
Honeycrisp Apples
Brussels Sprouts
Organic Carrots of Many Colors

We already told you how delicious this snack is!  It's perfect for picnics, beach days, work breaks, movie watching, and anything in between.

Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers
Organic Corn Chip Dippers
World's Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs - OUR FAVORITE
Crunchy Curls

Each crunchy cone is lined with smooth chocolate and filled with creamy ice cream—then dipped in a rich, chocolatey coating.

Danish Kringle (various)
Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches
Chocolate Lava Cakes
Brookie

The most simple pesto recipe that's perfect for any vegan. Made with kale, cashew and basil. Add garlic to give it a little more flavor, or lemon juice to brighten it up.

Vegetable Fried Rice
Beefless Bulgogi
Palak Paneer
Cauliflower Gnocchi