Trader Joe's Will Open New Store in Uptown by 2027

The national grocery chain plans to launch its new Uptown location at 804 W. Montrose Ave. in 2027.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Trader Joe's Will Open New Store in Uptown by 2027

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Trader Joe's is slated to open a new grocery store in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood at 804 W. Montrose Ave. by 2027. The project occupies a space previously held by XMarket until 2024.

Why it matters

This expansion represents a continued effort by the retailer to increase its presence across various Chicago neighborhoods. The store addition follows several years of local petitions and community interest in the brand.

The Uptown buildout permit was issued in March 2026 for the site at 804 W. Montrose Ave. The project follows the filing of a liquor license application in November 2025.

The players

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's is a national chain of neighborhood grocery stores known for selling unique products and private-label goods.

XMarket

XMarket is a retail entity that previously occupied the storefront at 804 W. Montrose Ave. before vacating the site in 2024.

The details

The upcoming Uptown store is part of a larger push into the city, which includes a confirmed location in Logan Square and a planned site at 170 N. May St. in Fulton Market. Additionally, the company is moving forward with a store in North Park located at 6191 N. Lincoln Ave.

2015: Edgewater neighbors requested a Trader Joe's.
2020: West Ridge neighbors petitioned for a location.
2023: A project to bring a Trader Joe's to Clark Street in Andersonville ended.
February 2026: Plans for a store in Logan Square were confirmed.
2027: The projected opening year for the Uptown store.

Market Landscape

This opening aligns with the broader Chicago urban retail expansion strategy currently observed across major metropolitan markets. The company is actively solidifying its local footprint against competitive grocery offerings in dense residential corridors.

Residents in the Uptown area will gain access to a new grocery option, potentially shortening commute times for current brand loyalists. The store also signals a shift in the local retail landscape following the closure of the previous occupant at the Montrose Avenue site.

The takeaway

The addition of this location marks a long-term investment in the Uptown community after years of local requests for the brand. Residents can expect the new store to impact local shopping habits once the site becomes operational in 2027.