Proposed Lyn-Lake Trader Joe’s Hits Roadblock

April 3, 2012 7:30 AM

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – There is a new roadblock for a proposed Trader Joe’s in Minneapolis’ Lyn-Lake neighborhood.

According to the Star Tribune, the proposed grocery store is now getting resistance from both neighbors and City Council member Meg Tuthill.

The store wants to sell liquor at this proposed site, but the only way that can happen is if the city council approves zoning changes.

Currently, liquor stores have to be a certain distance apart from one another.

This wouldn’t be the first time Trader Joe’s has struck out. The chain tried to build a store at 22nd and Lyndale in 2009, but zoning issues sidelined that project.

Proposed Lyn Lake Trader Joes Hits Roadblock

Jimbo

Did not know they sold Liquor just beer and wine.
Jimbo

This is really bad reporting Trader Joe’s does not sell liquor just beer and wine and that is not the same as liquor.
Booze Expert

liq·uor (lkr)
n.
1. An alcoholic beverage made by distillation rather than by fermentation.
2. A rich broth resulting from the prolonged cooking of meat or vegetables, especially greens. Also called pot liquor.
3. An aqueous solution of a nonvolatile substance.
4. A solution, emulsion, or suspension for industrial use.
Johnny B Goode

As liberal as California is they sell liquor, beer and wine in the grocery stores for their customers convenience.Minnesota is silly that they don’t do that as the liquor lobby pays politicians off to keep the laws the way they are, lets let the free market work and give Minnesota customers convenience.
Alex V

Lol Booze Expert, you just proved Jimbo’s point. Ber and Wine are made by fermentation, not distillation. I agree that we need to allow liquor sale in grocery stores and on Sundays like many other states. The liquor lobby is really powerful though, so I’m not holding my breath for it to happen. That being said, I don’t want to see a Trader Joe’s there because it would really hurt The Wedge.
Matthew

Alex, Trader Joe’s will not harm the Wedge. I live in that neighborhood, and the two stores serve entirely different purposes. The Wedge is a high-end natural foods store and Trader Joe’s is a glorified convenience store. There is a difference.
Sonia

Let them come to the HUB or somewhere on Nicollet Ave! We need them!
MPLS

It is 2012, not 1920. Why does it matter if there are 2 liquor stores a few blocks apart?!?

Allowing this will not increase the number of alcoholics or make people start drinking. It will increase competition and create convenience.

Where is the City Council and other individuals when a Walgreens or CVS moves into a neighborhood? These companies result in small pharmacies that have been around for years to shut down, because they cannot compete.
Ron

That is just fine because we have the perfect place in Shakopee for the new TJ’s. Besides there is a TJ just on Excelsior which would be too close for a profitable new store!