Photo credit: Daytona Beach News-Journal
After more than a decade of anticipation, Trader Joe’s is finally setting up shop in Daytona Beach, Florida, marking a major win for local fans who have long campaigned for the beloved grocery chain’s arrival. The store will open its doors at Tomoka Town Center this Friday, November 14, fulfilling a dream that began with a single online petition in 2012.
🌴 A Grassroots Movement That Sparked a Retail Revolution
The story begins with Jasmin Bedria, an Ormond Beach resident and self-proclaimed Trader Joe’s superfan. In 2012, Bedria launched a Facebook petition urging the California-based grocer to consider Daytona Beach for a new location. Her campaign quickly gained traction, amassing thousands of signatures and sparking widespread community support.
“It’s finally happening,” Bedria told the Daytona Beach News-Journal earlier this year. “We’ve been waiting so long. It’s not just about the novelty that is Trader Joe’s—it’s about bringing something special to our community”.
🛒 What to Expect at the New Store
The new Trader Joe’s will be located at Tomoka Town Center, a growing retail hub in Daytona Beach. The store promises to deliver the chain’s signature mix of affordable gourmet foods, quirky product labels, and friendly customer service. Shoppers can expect fan favorites like Mandarin Orange Chicken, Everything But the Bagel seasoning, and an array of organic produce and international snacks.
Nakia Rohde, public relations manager for Trader Joe’s, confirmed the opening date in an email to local media: “I’m happy to confirm that Trader Joe’s Daytona Beach will open this Friday, November 14th”.
🏗️ A Long Road to Fruition
The journey to this moment has been anything but swift. Over the years, rumors swirled and hopes rose and fell as speculative reports teased possible openings. It wasn’t until earlier this year that Trader Joe’s officially listed Daytona Beach as a “coming soon” location on its website.
Construction began in earnest in mid-2025, and excitement surged as the store’s recognizable façade took shape. The new location will sit across from another upscale grocer, Sprouts Farmers Market, which is also slated to open soon—further transforming the area into a premium shopping destination.
🎉 Community Reaction
Local residents have expressed overwhelming enthusiasm. Social media buzzed with celebratory posts, and many plan to attend the grand opening. For Bedria and thousands of others, the store’s arrival is more than just a retail event—it’s a testament to the power of community advocacy.
“This has been such a long time coming,” Bedria said. “Not just for me, but for everyone who believed this could happen”.
As the countdown to Friday begins, Daytona Beach is preparing to welcome Trader Joe’s with open arms—and full shopping carts.
Add comment
Comments