MELBOURNE, Fla. — A wave of enthusiastic shoppers gathered for hours on Wednesday to celebrate the grand opening of Trader Joe’s latest store in Florida, marking the popular chain’s debut in Melbourne.

The store, now welcoming customers at 2221 Town Center Ave in the Avenue Viera Shopping Center, began operations at 9 a.m. following an inaugural ribbon-cutting ceremony. Store Captain Keith Miller, accompanied by a team of crew members, officiated the event.

For many local shoppers, this new location is a welcome addition. “We used to travel to Orlando just to visit Trader Joe’s, so we’re thrilled to have one here now,” shared a customer, reflecting a widespread sentiment among those who were present. Many had routinely visited Orlando to shop at the specialty grocery store.

Even as lines snaked around the building throughout the day, the mood remained lively and cheerful. The opening created a vibrant atmosphere, attracting community members like Jenette Roth, who remarked on the positive energy shared by attendees.

“It’s a wonderful atmosphere, everyone is in high spirits,” Roth observed, noting that despite the bustling crowds, the sense of camaraderie among shoppers was palpable.

Tanya Cubeta, who made friends with others while waiting in line, led an impromptu chorus of shoppers listing their favorite Trader Joe’s products.

“All kinds of special things that we only get at Trader Joe’s,” Cubeta said, as others chimed in with items like “enchilada sauce,” “peppermint bark,” “gummy bears,” and “plantain chips.”

The new location has created jobs for local residents, with the company hiring crew members from surrounding areas while also transferring experienced staff from nearby stores. Through Trader Joe’s Neighborhood Shares Program, the Melbourne location will donate 100% of products that go unsold but remain fit to enjoy to local non-profit organizations.

Trader Joe’s now operates more than 610 stores across 42 states and Washington, D.C., with this Melbourne location representing its latest expansion in Florida.