Trader Joe’s grocery store is coming to Westwood and will be located on the first floor of the new Palazzo Westwood building on Glendon Avenue.
Trader Joe’s is a grocery store chain but, according to their Web site, is “really so much more.” Their selection includes organic and ethnic foods from all over the globe, as well as a variety of baked goods, beer and wine.
Alison Mochizuki, the director of public relations for Trader Joe’s, said the company is looking forward to becoming a part of Westwood Village.
“We really love Westwood, and there’s a lot of great food people out there. A lot of foodies,” Mochizuki said.
The Palazzo Westwood is a new apartment and townhouse complex under construction in the village. According to the building’s Web site, it will feature a spa, fitness center, concierge and commercial space on the first floor.
Andre Gerasimov, the operations manager of Palazzo Westwood, said they had not built it specifically for a Trader Joe’s, but that one will definitely be a part of the building. He cited several incentives for the alternative grocery store to choose their building, including location and the amount of space.
“That is one big space; it just worked out for that purpose,” Gerasimov said.
According to Mochizuki, the planned store should take up just over 13,000 square feet of the 50,000 available on the first floor of the Palazzo.
“It will be similar to other Trader Joe’s,” Mochizuki said.
Gerasimov said Trader Joe’s has not released its planned opening date to the Palazzo Westwood, but that the building itself should open to the public on March 15.
Stephanie Spilker, a fourth-year political science student, said she currently drives up Sepulveda Boulevard to get to the nearest Trader Joe’s. She said a local store will negate the commute.
“I’m going to be very happy that it’s a much shorter drive,” Spilker said.
Spilker said food quality and selection set Trader Joe’s apart from other grocery stores.
“I feel like Trader Joe’s has more fresh food. I think their food just tastes better; they have a more interesting selection,” Spilker said.
Trader Joe’s has another major attraction for college students: cheap wine. Charles Shaw ““ or “Two-Buck Chuck,” as it’s known ““ is only sold at Trader Joe’s stores.
Spilker said wine options are something sorely lacking at Ralph’s, and that she can’t wait for Trader Joe’s to open in Westwood Village.