The first wave of stores, Trader Joe’s and Starbucks Coffee, celebrated their long-awaited grand opening Friday, Feb. 9, at The Marketplace in Liberty Station, formerly the Naval Training Center.
“There’s been a lot of anticipation,” District 2 City Councilman Kevin Faulconer said. “It’s the number one question I’ve been asked these past couple of months: When is it going to open?”
Crowds of residents and students from the local High Tech schools joined the celebration bright and early at 8 a.m.
“Starbucks opened at 5:00 this morning,” said Greg Block, spokesperson for McMillin Companies, the developer for Liberty Station. “I saw a bunch of High Tech High students in there sitting enjoying their coffee [before the ceremony].”
Trader Joe’s Regional Vice President Greg Paquet, store manager Mark Aldrich, representatives from McMillin, Faulconer and the store’s crew were all present for Trader Joe’s traditional ceremonial lei cutting, rather than the typical ribbon cutting.
Patrons of the market were treated to music, balloons, food demonstrations, raffles and a variety of tasty samples all day long.
Trader Joe’s employees could be seen scattered throughout the store chatting it up with customers and introducing themselves, creating a first name basis.
The smell of flowers met patrons’ noses as students from Loma Portal Elementary School lined the entranceway handing out flowers welcoming customers. Many patrons entered three or four times to add to their bouquet.
Some came for the celebration, some came for their morning coffee and others came for the grocery shopping.
“I’m so excited, we’ve been waiting for this,” said Janell O’Meara.
While O’Meara lives in Tierra Santa, her two children attend Explorer Charter Elementary School, located inside Liberty Station.
“I wish there was one in Tierra Santa, but I’m here five days a week anyway,” O’Meara said. But O’Meara may wait until after picking up her kids to grocery shop.
“They actually want me to wait for them and go shopping with them because they love Trader Joe’s,” O’Meara said.
The students themselves also benefit from the nearby location, many of whom were seen picking up energy drinks or other beverage items on their way to school.
Natalie Holt, Ashley Meinke and Rachel Liuzzi, all freshman High Tech High School students said they plan on taking advantage of Starbucks’ close proximity as an after-school caffeine break.
The new location, 2401 Truxton Road, features larger-than-life murals of local landmarks, including the America’s Cup Stars and Stripes catamaran, the Point Loma Lighthouse, Charles Lindbergh’s airplane, the Spirit of St. Louis, a military PBY seaplane and more, all created by local artist and location “crewmember,” or store employee, Stacy Kurtz.
Aldrich, the store’s “captain,” or manager, is a San Diego native and comes to the Point Loma store from the La Mesa location. Aldrich has worked for the company for 35 years. His “first mate,” or assistant store manager, is John Harcharik, who has been with the company for 15 years.
The Marketplace is still undergoing renovations, however, several more stores are tentatively scheduled to be open in May.
“It’s up to them,” Block said of when the stores will open. “They’re still working on their tenant improvements.”
In the future, The Marketplace will be home to Cold Stone Creamery, Postal Annex, Vons, Panera Bread Bakery & Café, Navy Federal Credit Union, Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza, Da Kine’s, La Salsa and more to be announced.
For more information, visit www.traderjoes.com or www.libertystation.com.