Dozens of customers lined up down the sidewalk of Trader Joe’s May 6 as the store cut its ribbon and allowed hungry Parkerites inside for the very first time.

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Dozens of customers lined up on the sidewalk of Trader Joe’s on May 6 as the store cut its ribbon and allowed hungry Parkerites inside for the very first time.

As the lei-wearing customers entered and began shopping, they were greeted by staff with cheers and music.

"When I was a child I used to go to Trader Joe's in California," said Ben Jenkins, who was the first person waiting in line for the store's opening. "I've been in Parker for three years and I'm just excited. I'm just here to try it again."

Like other Trader Joe’s stores, the location is unique in that it has localized murals and other decorations specific 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 finds 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 first 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.

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