Coralville's first ever Trader Joe's is opening later this week and people are getting pretty excited.

The grand opening is almost here. You can almost taste the delicious food inside. Chocolate, wine, pumpkin pancake mix. It's enough to make anyone hungry. The store captain said that's the idea.

"It feels great. I'm really happy to be here. I think we're all excited to be a part of this community. It's the right place at the right time," said Todd Gibson, the store captain at the new Trader Joe's.

But the new business means more competition for local grocers like New Pioneer Co-op. Their general manager said they still have the advantage.

"We're locally owned so more money stays in the community from shopping at New Pioneer than any other grocer. We're a local economic engine," said Matt Hartz, the general manager of New Pioneer Co-op, "We work with over 140 local businesses right now and we're looking to expand that."

Local officials said it will attract shoppers to the area.

"Trader Joe's in our market here will bring additional people. It's definitely a draw to our region and it's in such a great spot down on the Iowa River Landing," said Tim Carty with the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce.

It helps that they have some specialty items.

"I think everyone kind of has their few favorite items that Trader Joe's sells whether it be the wine or I personally like their cookies or whatever it is but I kind of think everyone has their few favorite items," said Carty.

Gibson said he's opened other stores but this one is special.

"But we're going to have a lot of fun. We'll have some tastings and some great excitement. Be ready for anything but we're really looking forward to taking care of the people of Coralville," said Gibson.

If you're already watering at the mouth, you only have to wait until Friday to get your shredded wheats and your mini pumpkins too. The store opens Friday morning at 8:00 A.M.