Alright, alright, alright. Let’s address the big question that’s been giving people the fois around Laffy: Is Trader Joe’s finally coming to Lafayette? Possibly…
TL;DR:
Trader Joe’s has not officially confirmed a Lafayette location. The property on Camellia Blvd hasn’t been sold, and no public documents name Trader Joe’s directly. However, city-approved plans, a zoning variance, and the involvement of a high-level development consulting firm suggest a “Specialty Grocer” may be planning to move in—possibly Trader Joe’s. It’s looking promising, but nothing’s set in stone yet. — All sources listed at bottom.
Full post:
The fact is, there has been no formal announcement. No press release. No confirmation from the company. And no, an email screenshot does not confirm that a Trader Joe’s is coming to Lafayette. In fact, the very property in question hasn’t even been sold yet. So, there’s that. However, based on city documents and development patterns, there are some interesting signs that suggest a “Specialty Grocer” (possibly Trader Joe’s) may be up to something. Read on.
In late 2024, Lafayette Consolidated Government approved the creation of a new commercial lot on the 1700 block of Camellia Boulevard, just down from the newly opened Rouses Market in River Ranch. The lot, labeled Hamilton Estates Lot 3, was approved with no waivers or red flags. This is another piece of the puzzle, keeping in mind that none of these documents explicitly state “Trader Joe’s.”
Then, in early 2025, a zoning variance was requested and later approved for that same lot. The request would allow the building to sit farther back from the street than normally permitted in the Commercial Mixed (CM-1) zoning district. That’s a layout commonly seen in Trader Joe’s stores, which often have front-facing parking lots instead of a storefront built right up to the sidewalk. But then again, most grocery stores are designed like this—not just Trader Joe’s. Isn’t this fun?!
Here’s where it gets even more interesting. The applicant listed on the variance request was Rebecca Gieger with Sherman Strategies, LLC. They’re a New Orleans-based consulting firm that specializes in zoning, permitting, and land-use approvals for commercial developments. Sherman Strategies is known for working with major retail clients and guiding national projects through Louisiana’s regulatory system. While there’s no direct public record connecting Trader Joe’s to Sherman Strategies, the firm’s involvement is a strong indicator that something significant is in motion.
Add to that a series of land and servitude adjustments passed by the Lafayette City and Parish Councils in 2023, and it becomes clear that this site is being set up for larger growth.
So, is Trader Joe’s coming? Not officially. See now!? Lol. Based on the documents, timing, and development patterns, it’s looking like a good possibility. I get it—so many of you want this to happen. So much so that any hint feels like confirmation. All those emails y’all sent to Trader Joe’s to get Lafayette on their radar might have worked, but we won’t know for sure until our close sources confirm or the company itself makes it official through public records or a statement.
I hope this helps. It may not be what you want to hear but, it’s what you need to know.
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Source’s
• Lafayette Consolidated Government, Joint Ordinance JO-055-2023 (Camellia Blvd addresses) — http://apps.lafayettela.gov/OBCouncil/ViewDocument.aspx?docID=2296515#:~:text=%5BPDF%5D%20ordinance%20no.%20jo,GUIDRY
• Lafayette City Council, City Ordinance CO-184-2023 (Camellia Venture LLC, Camellia Blvd project) — http://apps.lafayettela.gov/OBCouncil/ViewDocument.aspx?docID=2321456#:~:text=Government%20apps,Building%20B%2FLafayette%2C%20LA%2070501%2Femail
• Lafayette Consolidated Government – Hearing Examiner Action Summary, Oct. 2024 (Hamilton Estates Lot 3 plat on Camellia) — https://www.lafayettela.gov/docs/default-source/calendar-documents/related-files/cpc-documents/HE_City_Ratifications_October_2024.pdf#:~:text=Mills%20Addition%20Lot%20155,Lot%20Preliminary%20%26%20Final%20none
• Lafayette City Planning Commission – Meeting Minutes, Nov. 25, 2024 (ratification of Hamilton Estates Lot 3 plat) — https://www.lafayettela.gov/docs/default-source/calendar-documents/related-files/cpc-documents/Action_Summary_November_25_2024_Final.pdf#:~:text=3
• Lafayette BZA Public Notice – Agenda for Jan. 9, 2025 (Case 2024-39-BOZ: Camellia Blvd setback variance) — https://louisianapublicnotice.com/notices/474453#:~:text=4.%20CASE%20NO.%3A%202024
• Lafayette BZA Agenda – Jan. 9, 2025 (full case list including Camellia variance and others for context) — https://louisianapublicnotice.com/notices/474453#:~:text=APPLICANT%3A%20Rebecca%20Gieger%2C%20Sherman%20Strategies%2C,LLC
See item 4 on agenda) — https://louisianapublicnotice.com/notices/474453#:~:text=APPLICANT%3A%20Mia%20Berg%2C%20Kimley%20Horn
