Trader Joe's Sets Sights on Uptown: Popular Grocer Applies for Montrose Avenue Location

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Uptown · November 11, 2025

Popular grocery chain Trader Joe's appears to be making moves to establish its newest Chicago location in Uptown, according to recent city records. The grocer has applied for a packaged goods liquor license at 804 W. Montrose Avenue, with payment for the license processed on October 30th.

The potential Uptown location would occupy the former XMarket food hall space, which closed in November 2024 after operating for just over a year. The 6,500-square-foot retail space has seen several food businesses come and go in recent years, including two successive plant-based grocery stores since 2021. If plans proceed, the new Trader Joe's could provide a significant boost to the area's retail scene, serving as both an amenity for local residents and a catalyst for increased commercial activity along Montrose Avenue. The potential opening comes after years of residents from various North Side neighborhoods publicly expressing their desire for a Trader Joe's location.

While a company spokesperson noted they are "actively looking at hundreds of neighborhoods across the country, including a few in Chicago," without confirming the Uptown location specifically, the liquor license application suggests serious interest in the site. The Montrose Avenue store would become the grocery chain's eighth Chicago location, adding to its existing city footprint and approximately dozen suburban stores. Uptown residents interested in supporting this potential new business should watch for upcoming community meetings where they might learn more about the timeline and provide feedback on what they'd like to see from this welcomed addition to the neighborhood.

Sources:
1. https://chicago.suntimes.com/money/2025/11/04/trader-joes-grocer-uptown-location-city-records
2. https://www.chicagobusiness.com/retail/trader-joes-new-grocery-store-chicago-uptown
3. https://therealdeal.com/chicago/2025/08/07/trader-joes-eyes-former-vegan-food-hall-in-uptown-chicago/