Is Trader Joe’s Really Needed In Montana?

If you've spent any time living in Montana, you know there are those in our beautiful state who are always wanting the latest and greatest when it comes to retail.

Maybe it's this burger place or that coffee spot.

Normally, those requests come from people who moved here and are longing for something back home, or from Montanans who decided to take a trip and discovered some sort of business that we just have to have here in Big Sky Country.

Over the Christmas Holiday, my wife and I traveled down to Utah for a couple of days to visit friends. During this trip, my wife made it clear that she wanted to go to Trader Joe's, so, you know, happy wife, happy life.

I should let you know that I've never been to a Trader Joe's, but I know that several folks who live here think that Bozeman and the rest of Montana are ready to welcome the franchise with open arms. I mean, I've heard people go on and on about the products, how great everything at Trader Joe's is, so when we pulled up to one, I will admit, I was rather excited.

We walked in, and my first thought was...this is it? Really? This is what all the hype is about?

What makes Trader Joe's so great?

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't expecting gold statues or robot cashiers, but I mean, it wasn't a big deal. First, the store we went to wasn't that big. As mentioned, it was my first time, but I thought it would be bigger. Second, the products themselves weren't all that impressive.

They had some fruits and vegetables, along with some frozen dishes, but there wasn't anything I just had to have, other than the gigantic Belgian Chocolate Bar, which I got one bite of. There were some cool condiments and sauces, but overall, nothing that screamed "PLEASE COME TO MONTANA."

I realized that I will be criticized for my review. I get it, it's cool to like Trader Joe's. So, I asked the all-knowing Google what Trader Joe's most popular items are, and below is the result:

Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips, Mandarin Orange Chicken, Soup Dumplings, Cauliflower Gnocchi, Unexpected Cheddar Cheese, and the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

The store also appears to have a nice selection of beer and wine; however, so does almost every grocery store in Bozeman.

If you are looking for specialty items, there are several shops here in Bozeman. Joe's Parkway Market is fantastic, as is Olivelle and Chalet Market. Plus, we have a ton of grocery stores around the area that have about everything you could want.

Get our free mobile app

I realize that my opinion won't change many minds, but if you ask me, Trader Joe's can wait a few years before it comes to Montana.