The Real Trader Joe

Trader Joe's is a grocery stores known particularly for their natural and organic products sold under their store brand. A few years ago, I read that the companies Aldi and Trader Joe's were founded by two German brothers and the family still owns both grocery chains. That was not true, but a confusion of the story of Aldi, which was founded by two brothers and then split into two companies, and the fact that Aldi Nord bought Trader Joe's in 1979. Trader Joe's was already an established grocery chain with an interesting story and a founder named Joe. Joe Coulombe built his business on the back of alcohol and a slightly exotic vibe that was just perfect for its time and place.