Trader Joe's opens its third Triangle store at 9 a.m. today, feeding the appetites of area foodies who can't get enough of the California-based gourmet grocer.

At the same time, the expansion in our region increases pressure on grocers such as Whole Foods, Fresh Market and Earth Fare that share its customer base.

The 13,000-square-foot Raleigh Trader Joe's, in the Holly Park Shopping Center at Wake Forest Road and Interstate 440, will stock about 2,000 items -- primarily its own brands.

The store has been decorated to reflect its home, with murals depicting the Raleigh skyline, the N.C. State dairy farm, Moore Square and the city's acorn sculpture that is dropped on New Year's Eve.

There will be a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m. Festivities include a steel drum band and face painting for kids.

The store will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.