Wegmans Breaks Record With 100th Store

Wegmans opened its highly anticipated first North Carolina store on Sept. 29 in Raleigh. At 1200 Wake Towne Drive, the new store also marks the 100th location for the Rochester, N.Y.-based grocer.

About 3,000 people waited in line for the grocer to open its doors, breaking the company’s store-opening record, Wegmans told the Raleigh News & Observer.

“Today’s opening in Raleigh did not disappoint. The store is absolutely beautiful, the selection is fabulous, the employees friendly and I was so happy to be there,” posted one of many enthusiastic Wegmans fans on Facebook.

According to Wegmans Raleigh Store Manager Hallie Johnston, more than 24,000 Raleigh customers (as of Sept. 24) had already signed up for Wegmans Shoppers Club via the store’s website and app. 

In addition to more than 4,000 organic choices throughout the store, the Raleigh location offers a variety of restaurant foods prepared by Executive Chef Rob Santiago and his culinary staff of 120.

“I’m excited to show people what we offer that’s not available here today,” he said in a statement. “Family dinners can be tricky, and our customers will be able to come in and find something that makes everyone happy, whether it’s from The Burger Bar, fresh sushi, a made-to-order salad, authentic Italian pizza, a submarine or anything off one of our hot and cold food bars.”

Elevated experiences abound in the new store, including an extensive cheese department with a misting case for cave-ripened cheese; a meat department featuring a custom butcher shop; an extensive seafood area; and a selection of more than 1,000 beers and 2,000 wines.

About one-third of the store is devoted to prepared foods, reports the Raleigh News & Observer. Features include a coffee bar, pizza station, sub shop, soup bar, a variety of hot food bars, and a large seating area for enjoying the freshly prepared fare.

Wegmans has announced plans for five additional stores in the Raleigh-Durham area, including the West Cary location on Davis Drive opening in 2020.