Trader Joe's mulling Carson store

Trader Joe's is interested in establishing a Carson City store, but isn't ready to put its cards on the table just yet.

A representative said the company doesn't release information to the public about new stores opening until leases are signed on the property.

According to Allison Mochizuki of Trader Joe's publicity department, the company is interested in the Carson City area but has nothing to announce as yet.

More information may be available within a month on the company's Web site, traderjoes.com.

Trader Joe's is known for ready-to-heat entrees and products with an "angle," such as vegetarian, Kosher or organic.

The store evolved from the chain of Pronto Markets started in the Los Angeles area in 1958. Founder Joe Coulombe wanted to enhance the stores' image in 1967 when he doubled floor space and offered hard-to-find domestic and imported wines and gourmet food items at reasonable prices.

Future plans call for the development of food items at value prices and the continued expansion of the Trader Joe's chain across the country.

Currently, Trader Joe's has more than 200 stores in 19 states.

The closest store is at 5035 S. McCarran Blvd., in Reno.