By Mary O’KEEFE

Trader Joe’s recently celebrated its 50th anniversary by offering items for 50 cents that disappeared quickly.

What would become the California-based chain actually began in 1958 when it was called Pronto Markets, but it wasn’t until 1967 when the store’s named changed to Trader Joe’s that it became a California icon.

According to the Trader Joe’s website, the first store opened in Pasadena and is still located at the original site. And the traditional Hawaiian shirts worn by employees began in 1969. Trader Joe’s expanded beyond Southern California to northern California in 1988 and, in 1993, opened stores in Phoenix, Arizona.

Since its opening in October 2011, the Montrose Trader Joe’s has become an old-fashioned neighborhood market. The store at 2448 Honolulu Ave. is recognized not only as a convenient local market but has also supported community organizations with generous donations.

  Mary Okeefe