RIVERDALE, Utah — Excitement filled the air Friday morning as hundreds of eager shoppers gathered outside the brand-new Trader Joe’s in Riverdale, the grocery chain’s sixth Utah location. By the time the store officially opened its doors, the parking lot was packed, the crowd wrapped around the building, and the energy felt more like a festival than a store opening.
Even before sunrise, shoppers began arriving to secure their place in line. By 8 a.m., a Riverdale police officer estimated the crowd had grown to more than 1,200 people, all waiting for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting led by store “captain” Myles Bradshaw.
As the Mountain Star Marching Band performed lively tunes, Bradshaw sliced through the red ribbon and the crowd erupted in cheers. “It’s amazing,” he said, looking out at the sea of customers. “We’re just happy to be here.”
A Big Win for Northern Utah Shoppers
For many in northern Utah, this opening means an end to long drives south for Trader Joe’s favorites like Everything But the Bagel seasoning, Mandarin Orange Chicken, and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.
“It’s such a big deal,” said Kira Escobar, who arrived with friends wearing red hats that humorously read “Trader Hoe’s.” “We don’t get much good stuff up here. We used to drive 35 minutes to Salt Lake City — now it’s five.”
When the Riverdale store was first announced, Escobar said her group chats “blew up.” She and her friends planned their opening-day visit months in advance.
Inside the Store: Local Touches and Familiar Favorites
Once inside, shoppers were greeted by clapping, cheering employees and the trademark Trader Joe’s atmosphere — Hawaiian shirts, hand-drawn signs, and quirky product labels. The store’s walls feature murals of local landmarks, including Hill Aerospace Museum, Ogden’s Historic 25th Street, and Union Station.
Bradshaw said his favorite piece of art was the vintage truck painted into the 25th Street mural — a nod to Ogden’s history and the community’s connection to the area.
Prices, Products, and the Crowd Factor
Customer Cori Orozco said she was thrilled about the new location, even if prices seemed “a little higher” than her usual stop at WinCo Foods. “They have good stuff,” she said, loading groceries into her car after braving the crowd. “Next time, I’ll come back when it’s not so busy.”
Orozco managed to snag a few essentials, including Trader Joe’s best-selling Mandarin Orange Chicken, one of the brand’s cult-favorite frozen meals.
Trader Joe’s Expands Its Utah Footprint
The Riverdale opening marks the sixth Trader Joe’s in Utah, joining existing stores in Cottonwood Heights, Draper, Orem, and two in Salt Lake City (Sugar House and 400 South). The company has also announced plans for two additional Utah locations — one in Holladay and another in Herriman — signaling continued growth and demand in the state.
For now, though, Riverdale residents are savoring the convenience of having a Trader Joe’s in their own backyard — and judging by Friday’s turnout, the store already has a loyal fan base.
