East Haven Officials to Residents: “We Want Trader Joe’s, Too.”

EAST HAVEN, CT —A total of 170 responses have been made to Patch's question about which business resident would most like to see in East Haven. It does appear that a Trader Joe's was the number one overall choice but there were numerous suggestions.

And town officials are aware that a Trader Joe’s - and another popular business, Panera Bread - is on the short list of what East Haveners want. And they are trying to do something about it.

“We have contacted Trader Joe’s and Panera Bread, requested requirements needed to choose a location for new business opportunity,” Sal Brancati, director of adminstration/management/economic development for East Haven said to Patch.

“Looking forward to response,” Brancati added.

Of the 170 responses to Patch, One person wrote, "Anything in Foxon ... besides pkg store, pizza , Chinese or nail salons!"

Another said, "That shopping center across from CVS in foxon is just a liquor store and now a used car parking lot and RV storage site. Please do something with that!"

Others want to see: "Trader Joe's! Christmas Tree shop, Panera Bread, Anything except DD, Pizza places, pharmacies, & convenience stores.”

"A Bookstore would be nice; but we really need someone to open a restaurant where Beachhead used to be. Need some choice other than Sandpiper."

"Everyone wants Trader Joe's out this way. They should have put one at the old expect but they put big lots instead."

"These are all great ideas. I have been hearing people suggest them for years. When is someone from the town going to listen and try to recruit some of the businesses?," one resident wrote.

Others suggested: Cheesecake Factory we have no good restaurants. Dave and busters in the old eblens/radioshack/subway lot. Starbucks or an independent coffee shop. D'Angelo's. A good diner. Trader Joe's or Whole Foods. Panera. Arby's.

And this comment sums up most of the feelings residents shared: "STORES, RESTAURANT S, ANYTHING EXCEPT GAS STATIONS AND CAR DEALERS."