The wait is finally over for Goodyear residents who have spent years campaigning for a Trader Joe’s.

The popular specialty grocer will open its first Goodyear location at 14770 W. McDowell Road, in the city’s growing downtown district known as GSQ.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 7:55 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7, followed by the store’s official opening at 8 a.m. The 13,500-square-foot store sits at the northwest corner of McDowell Road and Bullard Avenue, in the heart of the mixed-use development that city officials have dubbed Goodyear’s  downtown.

The announcement marks the culmination of nearly a decade of community enthusiasm. Since 2017, Trader Joe’s has topped every city survey as Goodyear’s most-requested grocery store. Residents have held rallies, signed petitions, and even celebrated “We Want Trader Joe’s Day” in 2019 to catch the company’s attention.

“Goodyear couldn’t be more thrilled that Trader Joe’s has chosen to come to our great city,” Mayor Joe Pizzillo said. “This really is a dream come true for so many of our residents who’ve been asking for this unique grocer for many years.”

The store will be led by Chris Warren, the designated store captain.

“I’m thrilled to lead the opening of Trader Joe’s in Goodyear and to become part of a community that has shown such enthusiastic support,” Warren said. “This location is a great fit for Trader Joe’s, surrounded by growth, development and a strong sense of community.”

The Goodyear location will join a growing lineup of retail, dining and entertainment options at GSQ, a more than 150-acre public-private development that includes Goodyear Civic Square, City Hall, a library, park space and office buildings.

For information about GSQ and downtown Goodyear’s ongoing development, visit goodyearaz.gov.