Photo: FLLewis / Media City G — Former location of Fresh & Easy market 1615 West Verdugo Avenue Burbank January 4, 2016
A campaign is underway to open a new Trader Joe’s market in Burbank. It has gained traction in the neighborhood around the failed Fresh & Easy market at 1615 West Verdugo Avenue. For several weeks, there has been a call to action, for a new Trader Joe’s, posted on the front of that building. The notice is shown below.
No doubt there are many fans of Trader Joe’s specialty items, extensive selection of prepared salads, assortment of frozen foods along with fresh veggies, fruits, and flowers. Another plus for Trader Joe’s has to do with its impact on the surrounding area. There are reports that homes within a mile of a Trader Joe’s appreciate faster than others — by as much as 10 percent. Homes near Whole Foods markets reportedly get a bump up in value, too.
I asked Burbank’s interim Community Development Director, Patrick Prescott, about plans for that spot. “The City would very much like to see a new grocery store at that location. It’s such easy access for folks in the neighborhood. Our Economic Development team is reaching out to the property owners to determine what their intentions are for the property.”
When it comes to picking new locations for its stores, Trader Joe’s asks for recommendations. ” There are no guarantees, but being wanted matters to us,” according to the company website.
