SEE OPEN

decorations specifi c to Parker, including elements from O’Brien Park and 17-mile barn and windmill.

Hidden inside the store is a stuffed animal mascot named “Allie the Alpaca” and any child who fi nds the toy can let an employee know where they saw it and they will receive a lollipop.

Some of the most popular Trader Joe’s items include dark chocolate peanut butter cups, a cheese called “unexpected cheddar,” frozen orange chicken and cookie butter.

The California-based grocery store is known for its private labeled, uncommon food items.

Ty Poe, the captain of the store (also known as a manager), said the store is expecting to be very busy as it fi rst opens. They plan the store to receive two to three truckloads of re-supply every day.

“On a really busy day we sell about a third of everything in here,” he said.

The store is expected to have about 100 employees at some point but for now is working with about 80. Many of the employees are Parker residents, Poe said.

The store will sell non-refrigerated beer but not any of its trademark affordable wine — sometimes called “Two-Buck Chuck” — because of its proximity to a liquor store.

This is the eighth Trader Joe’s store to open in Colorado.

Excited shoppers danced and cheered as they walked through the sliding doors of the new Trader Joe’s in Parker for the fi rst time May 6. PHOTOS BY ELLIOTT WENZLER

Ponderosa High School’s pom squad performed in front of the waiting crowd at the ribbon cutting of the new Trader Joe’s in Parker May 6.

Marcia DeBell said her favorite thing to buy at Trader Joe’s is balsamic glaze.

Ty Poe,

store captain for the new Parker Trader Joe’s location, said the Toscano cheese dusted with black pepper is one of his favorite items along with salad kits.

Vaughn Brown,

who has lived in Parker for 19 years, is excited about having a Trader Joe’s so close by, he said. One of his favorite items is the triple ginger snap cookies.

Ben Jenkins,

a three-year Parker resident, was the fi rst to arrive at the Trader Joe’s opening May 6. He was most excited to pick up a brookie, which is a combination of a brownie and a cookie.

Parker residents Sam and Isabel Vigil

are fi rst-ever visitors for Trader Joe’s after a cooking show they watch suggested items from the grocery store. They hoped to pick up co ee and other essentials.

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