Wegmans Hiring for Brooklyn Debut

The countdown for Wegmans Food Markets New York City debut has begun.

The Rochester, N.Y.-based retailer has begun hiring and training for about 500 employees who will work in its highly anticipated new store at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Wegmans announced it would build the store in 2015 as part of a $140 million redevelopment of Admiral’s Row, a portion of the historic shipbuilding hub now recast as a waterfront industrial park.

The 74,000-square-foot store, which will be Wegmans’ first store in New York City, is under construction. The unit will have a second-floor mezzanine, with nearly 100 seats for an in-store market cafe and a bar serving food, wine, beer and spirits.

Wegmans is now seeking workers for about 150 full-time positions. Hiring of part-time workers will begin at a later date.

“Here at Wegmans, you drive your own development and the opportunities are truly what you make of them,” said Brooklyn Store Manager Kevin Cuff, who began working for Wegmans 21 years ago when he was 16 years old. “You are more than just a number. You are a family member who has a voice and an opportunity to do whatever it is you are passionate about.”

Wegmans operates 98 stores in six states. In addition to the Brooklyn opening, it anticipates opening new locations this year in Virginia Beach, Va., and in Raleigh, N.C. The Virginia Beach store is scheduled to open April 28.