Trader Joe's

Grocery store · Pasadena

Trader Joe's

Grocery store · Pasadena

610 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91105

Highlights

OG Trader Joe's: friendly staff, great variety, iconic murals

610 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91105 Get directions

locations.traderjoes.com

@traderjoes

@eater

Trader Joe’s Founder Joe Coulombe Dies at 89 | Eater

"Founded by Joe Coulombe with the idea of serving “overeducated and underpaid” customers like classical musicians and museum curators, this grocery chain began with a 1967 Pasadena location and built a reputation for offering high-quality international goods and affordable wines at strong value. Early and enduring hallmarks include a focus on natural and organic items, a private-label sourcing model, maritime-themed stores, a deliberate “policy of discontinuity” that keeps inventory rotating, and an expansive selection of budget-friendly wines exemplified by the Charles Shaw “two-buck Chuck.” Coulombe emphasized fair employee compensation and benefits—contributing to the chain’s friendly, Aloha-shirt-clad staff—and after selling his interest to Germany’s Aldi Nord in 1979 and retiring as CEO in 1988, he left a legacy that grew into a network of more than 500 U.S. stores built on the principle of good food and good value; he died at age 89." - Jenny G. Zhang

https://www.eater.com/2020/3/2/21161357/trader-joes-founder-joe-coulombe-dies-at-89

View Postcard for Trader Joe's

Map Cat

Google

The original one, and they’re proud of it. Lots of murals and signs celebrating their history. TINY parking lot in front of door (maybe there’s another one I didn’t see). Very clean and well organized. Nice bathroom. Super friendly employees. If you love TJ’s it’s worth a drive from anywhere in LA.

Borderlessfoodie

Google

I got to visit the very first Trader Joe’s, which opened back in 1967! While the store isn’t very big, its long history is evident—especially in the lower ceilings, which make it feel less open compared to more modern locations. That said, the product offerings are about the same as other stores. Still, I just loved the idea of visiting the “founding store.”

Irene Posadas

Google

Always love going to shop at this location for their variety of organic and fresh produce. Sometimes I find something different and am willing to try it out. Love the friendly workers who are always ready to help you find what you're looking for. So many products to choose from. The only complaint is the parking: very small and tight spaces. Not easy to get in to a tight space. My car is not big, but I had trouble getting out of it. I was right between the lines.

Albert Vaca

Google

The OG Trader Joe’s! I feel like Norm from Cheers when I drop in and grab the essentials that I need. The staff is super friendly and helpful. This smaller store is laid out nicely and never seems cluttered. And there’s always something new that I find to try out. The crunchy almond butter is the bomb! And the flowers last longer than other places. Well done TJs Arroyo.

Sophia

Google

I had an excellent experience at this store! The manager and staff were absolutely amazing—so warm, friendly, and helpful. They went above and beyond to make me feel welcome. They even provided a fantastic taco recommendation that was spot-on. Highly recommend this place for both the great service and helpful staff! Will definitely be back.

Jotto Pink

Google

Nice. We love TJ's. This location is small and not fancy. But staff are nice (except maybe 1... I think he's a manager but can get little stubborn). We enjoy going here. Parking can be rough though. I don't usually ever give out 5 Stars, but whenever we go to this location, it brings joy.

Susanna SS

Google

This is the very first Trader Joe’s. What it lacks in square footage, it makes up with its great inventory. There is a lot of seasonal items presently including holiday fare and decor as well as European chocolates, sweets and pastries. The staff are always nice and helpful.

Edgar Rodriguez

Google

Everything is well arranged, very clean, it has good products, the staff is very kind and friendly and it has a lot of variety of things.