After months of speculation and regulatory challenges, the much-anticipated Trader Joe’s location in Uptown, New Orleans, is officially moving forward, a spokesperson for the popular grocery chain confirmed recently. The new store, planned for 2428 Napoleon Avenue, is expected to begin construction later this year and open in late 2025.
The journey toward bringing Trader Joe’s to Uptown — marking it as the second planned location in Orleans Parish — began in May 2024 when developers representing a then-unnamed specialty grocery appeared at a City Planning Commission meeting. They requested a conditional use permit for the Freret Street and Napoleon Avenue property. Although the company’s identity wasn’t confirmed at the time, the permit was approved on the condition that the Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) also allowed the demolition of the 67-year-old Our Lady of Lourdes school building on the site.
However, the HDLC denied this demolition request in a June 5 meeting, citing the building’s historical value to the Our Lady of Lourdes Complex and the Uptown Historic District. Developers David Fuselier and Zach Kupperman, known for local projects like the Drifter Hotel and Hotel Saint Vincent, filed an appeal, leading the matter to the City Council. In July, the Council unanimously overrode the HDLC’s decision, approving the demolition. Councilmember Lesli Harris emphasized the importance of having a walkable, public transit-accessible grocery option offering affordable, fresh food and produce, calling it “everything we could want.” This decision granted the project its final approval. This week, Trader Joe’s completed the purchase of the site and confirmed its plan to establish a store on the Uptown corner.
Trader Joe’s is celebrated for selling private-label snacks, specialty pantry items, and other affordable goods. However, the company has faced criticism in recent years, including accusations of cultural appropriation, exploitation of smaller brands, and alleged retaliation against workers advocating for unionization.
This Uptown store will be the second Trader Joe’s underway in New Orleans, joining the upcoming Mid-City location at 2537 Tulane Avenue. According to building permits, the Mid-City store could be completed by late 2024 or early 2025. However, Trader Joe’s has yet to confirm that site. The only other area location currently open is in Metairie.
