Are there plans to open a traditional joe on the upper east side manhatten

That'd be great +

Yes, it’s opening in March.

You can go on their website and actually request one near you and they'll respond.

Not sure, there is however a TJ on 3rd Ave in the lower 30's, (30th? 32nd?) and they're about to open one in the west side (Columbus & 92nd) that you can get to with the 96th st crosstown bus 😉