Thanks for not giving me a hard time because I keep talking about Trader Joe’s even though it is in the Far West End.  We all know it’s going to impact the Near West End too.  While I still haven’t made it out to the Whole Foods that opened a few weeks ago, I did make it a priority to go to Trader Joe’s on opening day today.  (And no, the cops were not there directing traffic like they were at Whole Foods.) Over $100 later, I’m home and still haven’t unpacked my groceries.

Yes, it was busy. Yes the lines to the register did block some of the isles at the peak time this morning, which was frustrating, but all the staff were efficient, helpful, and most important in a great mood – which seems to be the signature of Joes. No, it wasn’t that fake rehearsed kind of happy either. It helps to have a sense of humor on a day like to day (screaming kids,  no carts –’cause they are all in use, and a mob scene around the Mandarin chicken sample table) and the staff succeeded.

I was one of the high-maintenance customers who knew what I wanted (from shopping at stores in NOVA) but couldn’t necessarily find it. I had no less then 4 people help me at various times.  I cannot tell you how happy I am with how kind everyone was. My kids were so sad they couldn’t come because they were in school.   Too bad I have to wait until dinner to crack open a bottle of my $3 buck Shiraz.