By: Alexandra Cowley
acowley@abc6.com
It was a packed parking lot at Patriot Place Friday morning, no it wasn't for a Pats game, it was the grand opening at Trader Joe's, brining jobs.
Trader Joe's grand opening at Patriot Place had the hype of a sporting event. Employees gave out lei's, Pat Patriot, and the Patriots cheerleaders greeted customers.
"When we walked in it was very over stimulating, but so exciting," explained Tiffany Foley.
Howard Merritt's enthusiasm for the store's grand opening stood out in the crowd.
"I'm totally excited, I'm very happy that Trader Joe's is finally in this area."
He took a day out of work to be one of the first to walk the aisles.
"I love Trader Joe's which is why I got here early, I have been looking forward to having one in the area, and it's great to actually have one here. Thank God for Trader Joe's and they have booze. You don't see that in the Trader Joe's in this area."
The new Trader Joe's brought 70 jobs to the area. More than half of those hired, are from surrounding communities. The Foxboro location is the second Trader Joe's in Southern New England. The other is in Warwick.
Trader Joe's Captain David Ford is a local resident and says he's been waiting a while for this store to open.
"We have pretty big following of Trader Joe's foodies and they come out and support us wherever we go," he said.
Because the new location is in the heart of Patriot Nation, there's a hint of pats flavor at every corner. For many shoppers, today was a long-awaited event.
"I really came in here today looking for the peanut butter chocolate covered pretzels, you cannot find them anywhere," said Foley.
Finally, people got their hands on their favorite goodies. Even the guy who called out of work, has no regrets.
"I have to say for two buck chuck its always worth it," laughed Merritt.
