Trader Joe's celebrates 50 years with deals for customers

The chain was founded in 1958 as a group of convenience stores called "Pronto Market". Creator Joe Coulombe changed the concept to avoid competing with 7-Eleven.

The first "Trader Joe's" opened in 1967 on Arroyo Parkway in Pasadena, said the company. It featured meat from butchers who leased space in the store, freshly cut cheese, and sandwiches.

The company expanded beyond California in 1979 and quintupled its store numbers between 1990 and 2001.

Trader Joe's now has more than 400 stores in almost 40 states, with most stores in California.

Shoppers can enjoy 50th anniversary deals through Trader Joe's weekly "Fearless Flyer".