Trader Joe's Top Secrets to be Revealed Friday

Access to the new Trader Joe’s in Shrewsbury on the eve of its opening has been completely restricted. The place is under lock and key, literally. Employees come and go, trying to get the shelves stocked in time for the 8 a.m. ribbon cutting Friday, each with a key, locking and unlocking the sliding doors behind them as they pass through.

At times Thursday afternoon, cars rolled by, passengers craning their necks to check out the banner announcing the store’s March 11 opening. Others got out and pressed their faces against the glass for a peek at this newest Trader Joe’s.

As for what’s inside, well, you’ll just have to wait and see. Whatever it is, it has to be something special. Dozens of phone calls have been made and messages left with Trader Joe’s corporate headquarters in California without a single reply. Our impromptu stop-in at the store a couple of weeks ago resulted in a firm invitation to leave the premises immediately. Attempts to take photos outside the store were likewise discouraged.

They might as well be guarding Coke’s secret formula, the Colonel’s blend of spices or U.S. nuclear codes. One thing not under guard in there is Trader Joe's fan-favorite wine “two-buck chuck.” No license for that yet.

So we wait another day to get a look inside. Meanwhile, check out our "unauthorized" photos from outside, in this edition of View Finder.