Trader Joe’s, a neighborhood grocery store with foods and beverages from the exotic to the basic, is scheduled to open its Sammamish location at 8 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 21.

The 11,000 square foot store is located at 490 228th St. (inside the Sammamish Highlands Center) with hours from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.

To kick off the official opening, Trader Joe’s “Captain,” Store Manager John Olson, Regional Vice President Micheal Krause, and the crew will gather at 8 a.m. for a ceremonial lei cutting to welcome new customers – Trader Joe’s style. The celebration will continue throughout the day with live music, a balloon artist and food demonstrations.

Inside the new store, customers will find Trader Joe’s décor that mixes cedar-covered walls, Hawaiian-inspired elements and some “local flare” including art that celebrates the neighborhood. Throughout the grocery store, there are several hand-painted murals that pay homage to the local landmarks with a Trader Joe’s twist, including Sammamish State Park, Beaver Lake Park, Pine Lake, the local high schools and more.

“Captain” Olson comes to the new store from Kirkland and has been with the company for seven years.

Trader Joe’s is a chain of neighborhood grocery stores that began in 1958 in the Los Angeles area. Since then, Trader Joe’s has expanded to 400 stores in 37 states.