News Trader Joe’s founder Joe Coulombe, who started one of America’s favorite grocery stores, dies at 89 February 29, 2020February 29, 2020Charisse Jones, USA TODAYComments Off on Trader Joe’s founder Joe Coulombe, who started one of America’s favorite grocery stores, dies at 89 Joe Coulombe, who founded Trader Joe's, the popular grocery known for "Two-Buck Chuck" wine and trendy items, died Friday at his California home.