Trader Joe’s is Coming to FH

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By Iryna Shkurhan | ishkurhan@queensledger.com 

Last week, Trader Joe’s finally confirmed that they will be opening a new location in Forest Hills on Yellowstone Boulevard. 

“We’ve consulted our maps and compass and have found a terrific location for a store in Forest Hills, NY,” the chain announced on their website. “We are proud to be joining the neighborhood, and to continue our commitment to providing nourishment to the surrounding communities through our Neighborhood Shares program.”

Currently Queens has two Trader Joe’s locations: one on Jackson Ave in Long Island City and the other is closer, on Metropolitan Avenue in Rego Park.

In an “Our communities” Facebook group for Forest Hills, Rego Park and Kew Gardens, close to 200 people shared their thoughts on the upcoming opening. 

One concern for many residents was where they would be able to park since it doesn’t appear that there will be a parking lot designated for the store. But some locals said that the proximity to the E, F, M and R trains, as well as the Q60 bus, will allow locals and residents in other neighborhoods to reach the store easily. 

“Queens Blvd’s widest intersection is about to see gridlock like never before. Hopefully DOT will do whatever necessary to mitigate the chaos,” wrote Stephen Melnick, a Forest Hills resident in a comment. 

In the past year, there has been much speculation in community groups on Facebook over whether a Trader Joe’s will open in the neighborhood. 

The site on 69-65 Yellowstone Blvd. used to be home to Key Food Supermarket.  

According to their website, they hope to open sometime in 2023, but a specific date has not been set yet. Those interested can monitor their website for updates.