Give up? All of them are or will be new Trader Joe's sites before the year is over.

The Monrovia, Calif.-based specialty chain has demonstrated that a little creativity and adaptability can go a long way in making a small store work. Then again, crafting and maintaining a unique product offering and an adored brand image has helped people find Trader Joe's wherever they happen to appear next. In many communities, fans petition for Trader Joe's arrival or blog about their obsession with shopping there.

For landlords, Trader Joe's appeal means steady traffic without the giant footprint of a traditional grocery store, and a small selection that allows them to lease neighboring space to a dynamic mix of co-tenants. In Louisville, for example, Trader Joe's will join the lineup at Shelbyville Road Plaza, a 400,000-square-foot shopping center between two regional malls on Louisville's main retail artery. Set to open later this year, it will be the chain's first site in Louisville and the answer to many a Kentucky foodie's prayers.