No more driving to Metairie for New Orleans fans of Trader Joe's — the city's first location opened Thursday, and shoppers lined up hours ahead of time to try the new grocery option.

The grand opening kicked off Thursday morning with live jazz, black-and-gold leis and an appearance by the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. Mayor LaToya Cantrell and several City Council members also were there to welcome the line of customers, some of whom had arrived two hours ahead of time.

Located across from the New Orleans VA Medical Center in Tulane Avenue's medical corridor, Trader Joe’s is the latest addition to an area that city officials have long sought to revive with new developments . It also joins the Mid-City neighborhood lineup of grocery stores, which includes Rouses, Whole Foods, Winn-

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