From Health magazine
With just 71 stores in the mid-Atlantic, Wegmans wasn’t big enough to make the America’s Healthiest Grocery Stores list. (We only judged the 35 largest U.S. chains; see the winners here.) But our experts still raved about its large selection of fresh organic produce and locally grown foods.
Its healthy prepared foods got high marks, too: The store’s delicious gourmet section could “entice a family to start eating fish or broccoli rather than fast food,” says Lisa Pawloski, PhD, chair of the department of global and community health at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Such positive feedback is spurring the chain’s expansion—four new stores in Virginia and Pennsylvania will open in 2009.
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Comments (261)
Healthy, fresh and organic…the next trend in grocery shopping???
Wegmans is great: something I truly miss from Pennsylvania. the food selection is better than Whole Foods. The “fresh” section, from meat to dairy and fruits and vegetables, is amazing. The bakery is flawless and the sushi is actually decent, unlike the East Coast Whole Food stores, where you get more rice than fish. I am looking forward to see one of their stores in Atlanta :)
I must agree, it would be wonderful to have a Wegman’s in Atlanta, Georgia. I had the opportunity to visit the new store in Fredericksburg, VA and it was the greatest food experience I have ever had.
Living in Vermont but originally from NY, I miss Wegmans every time I go grocery shopping. Wegmans is way better than Hannaford’s in every way, be it food selection, food quality or customer service. They were one of the first stores to focus on organic foods.
Health arrived in today’s mail and as I read the supermarket article, I was disappointed Wegmans did not make the list. I was glad to see the justification online. I spent most of my life in Rochester, New York, the birthplace of Wegmans. I currently live in North Carolina, and I miss my Wegmans. Try as they might, Harris Teeter is NOT Wegmans and Whole Foods is just too expensive. Trader Joe’s, however, is everthing the article stated and more. T.J.’s is really a great place to shop.
I live in Danny Wegman’s hometown, the founder of Wegmans…and I have to say, there is NO other grocery store like Wegmans!
I too grew up in Rochester (the birthplace of Wegmans). Whole Foods is the closest I’ve found in NYC but it will NEVER be Wegmans for me! Wegmans is my first stop every time I visit my family!
I am so glad to see Wegmans included! I do all my shopping at Wegmans and never have problems finding healthy food and local products. I don’t live anywhere near the “Top 10 Stores” on the list, so it is nice to see Wegmans recognized!
Wegmans is one of the big things I miss having moved to Texas. Just walking in the doors is like walking into a market, the biggest selection of produce I’ve ever seen, The bakery always smells great, and they even had great fresh pizza! We’ve got Whole Foods here, but they don’t have anywhere near the selection of a Wegmans. (the new one downtown austin might come close though)
When we return to Canada from a road trip that takes us back along the I-90, we always stop at a Wegman’s before we cross the border. Many products on their shelves are not sold in Canada, and I can stock up on my favorite healthy snacks. The bakery and deli are amazing and the coffee shop never disapoints. They also provide free nutritional and educational pamphlets that are right on the money. Bravo to Wegman’s!
I also felt the need to comment on the awesomeness of Wegmans. I’m originally from Rochester and after moving the DC and trying numerous different grocery stores I can truely say that Wegmans is the best. Everytime my parents trek down from upstate NY the first thing I make them do is take the 45 minute drive out to VA so I can grocery shop!!!
Andy in AUstin: YOu should try Central Market in TX, it will give Wegmans run for their money.
As a former western New Yorker I can speak volumes about Wegman’s markets. The closest store to me (and the only one in Maryland) is in another county,over 1/2 drive from my home, but I make the trip on a regular basis–it’s worth the time and the gas to shop where I know the products are fresh and of the highest quality, the prices are reasonable, and the stores are bright and clean. All that, and Wegman’s is one of the top 100 best employers in the country. Needless to say, I have been fighting the good battle and waving the flag to have Wegmans build a store in Howard County, MD. We are hoping that we will have one in 2010!
Hi,
I visit Pa. every year and go to Wegmans and also NJ and go to Wegmans , the problem is I live in Florida and there is no Wegmans. When can we expect one here ?????
I too am an Upstate NYer (syracuse,ny) who has moved south (athens,ga) and miss Wegmans dearly. I go everytime I am home for a visit. I even take friends to Wegmans as if it was a tourist attraction. Danny and Company has always been miles above the rest of the grocery stores around, from products, to service, and most of all atmosphere. I wait and hope for the day they bring their wonderful stores down to Georgia…Thanks for giving them the props they deserve!!
I agree..I’ve been in Florida since 2002…and everytime I go home, I stop at Wegmans in Corning, NY. I’ve brought friends to Wegmans as if it were a special attraction. Nothing down here is like Wegmans. Even Publix doesn’t compare with the selection and quality.
I agree. Wegmans truly is the best grocery store in this country. I recently moved to OH and I miss Wegmans. The bulk food selections were wonderful and the international department was fantastic. If Wegmans ever wants to make its way West, I will welcome it with open arms.
Bravo for including Wegman’s. We are originally from Buffalo, but have lived all over the country and we greatly missed Wegman’s when there wasn’t one near. When my married children come to visit, that is always where we head. We now live in PA and the closest one to us is 40 miles away, but we make the trip gladly. They excel in all departments, including customer service! I volunteered at a cooking school here in PA and they actually had bus trips for their students to Wegman’s until they finally got a store located near them. I don’t think any other store comes close to competing with them. Go, Wegmans!!!!
Approximately one year ago, Wegmans came within walking distance of my home (Warrington, Pa). All I can say is “WOW”! How did I ever live without it.
Four times a year, I get their magazine with easy to make recipes. I have learned so much about healthy nuitrition and improving the quality of our meals.
Betty Conger, Warrington, Pa
Living in northwest NJ (Hunterdon/Warren Co.area)is a challenge when it comes to shopping!!! We get everything last and on a much smaller scale. I would give anything for a Trader Joe’s or a Wegman’s, which I visit when I am visiting friends or relatives in areas that have them….both are great stores….I’m stuck with A&P and Shop-Rite nearby….It’s frustrating, especially when you really want to eat better and serve yiour family healthier meals!!!!
Wegmans is the most outstanding place to shop, with such a wide variety of healthy and interesting choices. We lived in Canandaigua and Rochester NY for years and now we are in FL and we miss Wegmans every time we shop. When we go back to NY in the summer, we load up our RV with items from Wegmans to help us get through the winter without our favorite store! Thanks to Danny Wegman and family for such a great contribution to the world of food shopping!
Another Rochestarian here to applaud Wegmans. I have to go in every time I go home. I took my husband once for lunch (the fresh, fresh pizza)and he was hooked. Every time we go we have to go to the Weggies on 250 in Penfield for their pizza. I love the fresh produce, the incomparable bakery items, the fact that you truly have a one stop shop there as well. Their variety of local items is second to none.
I would love to have Wegmans down here! We already have an Abbotts and I can buy my Zweigles…now we just need a Wegmans to make it complete!
Must live near Tampa.
I grew up in Western New York and love Wegmans. Now I live in Pennsylvania and have a choice of two Wegmans – in Warrington, PA or Princeton, NJ. The selection of seafood, meat and produce is amazing. The Market Cafe is restaurant quality with grocery store pricing. Prices on everyday groceries are lower than most nearby stores, and there is a wide selection of organic items that don’t take a Whole Paycheck to feed your family. Their Catering department has great food and great service. My inlaws who have moved from Buffalo make a pilgrimage to Wegmans every time they visit!
I work for Wegman’s during my college year in Rochester and love the friendly attitude we give out and the food are awesome now living in DC area I gotta trek far to get their foods. Way much better then my local Giants & Safeway. If Wegman comes near me I’ll be gladly work for them again!
Wegman’s is hands down the best grocery store. It isn’t a hassle to shop there, it is like an outing, the highlight to a day…okay maybe that is a little too far. Really though, shopping at Wegman’s is an experience. It has the perfect balance of organic and non-organic food that makes it more economical, where as Whole Foods is just too pretencious and expensive. I am originally from PA and going to school in RI I have missed Wegman’s…I hope Wegman’s expands to more places, but won’t lose it’s quality.
As another fellow NY’er (Syracuse, who now lives in NC, I have to agree. There is no substitute for Wegmans, and I miss it!!! My family still lives up there and they eat lunch or dinner at “Weggies” at least two times a week. There is freshly made pizza, chinese food, pastas….it’s amazing. GO WEGMANS! Now get me one in NC… ;-)
From Syracuse – live in Boulder, CO – miss Wegmans so much. WF is nice and expensive – but it’s no Wegmans!
I miss Wegmans!!!!! I haven’t found a store out west that compares.
Cant wait to visit the rents in Rochester for Thanksgiving!!!! Mom is on her way to Wegmans in Pittsford as I write this!!!!! Danny, I’ve been trying to convince everyone that Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, NC NEEDS a Wegmans!!!!!
I am a Wegmans diehard. There are about eight other grocers to choose from in this area, but I have no reason to visit any of them (and they are all closer to home). Wegmans brand products meet and often exceed the standards set forth by national brands. I have been shopping Wegmans for six years, and I’m impressed each and every time I visit. Also, I am not surprised that they have been consistently named as a top employer – many of their employees have been working there for as long as I’ve been shopping there. Simply put, no other grocer can hold a candle to Wegmans.
I am from Rochester, but I live in Philadelphia. I drive over the Delaware to the Wegmans in Cherry Hill, NJ every time I need groceries. $4 dollars bridge tolls or not, I refuse to go to the whole foods in walking distance from my home. Wegmans is worth it!
Been all over the place and no one compares to Wegmans. Pitssford Wegmans is unlike ANY other food place I’ve ever set foot in. But I’ve never been to Whole Foods, but why would ya when you have a Wegmans down the road! Besides, I’ve heard Whole Foods is ridiculously expensive, while Wegmans just announced tons of price cuts!
I am in WNY. I can remember an area wide world sporting event held here some years ago. Visitors from around the globe. There were foreign visitors in our local Wegmans in awe!…tears in their eyes at the abundance in that store. We have traveled up and down the east coast, generally renting a house for a week at a time, so we always need to shop the local markets. From what I have seen NOTHING comes even close!
If you have a Wegmans, or use to have one to shop then you know what I mean.
If you do not…….that is unfortunate for you. Hopefully you will soon.
I look forward to shopping at my local Wegmans every week.
If for no other reason than to count my blessings!
To top it all off!….. They just announced a significant long term drop in prices!
How cool is that!
I too am from Rochester, NY and one of the things I constantly tell my friends is I MISS MY WEGMANS!! Nobody has produce, meats, or the selection of “off” items than Wegmans does. The stores are bright and clean, the produce – well there is just none better – and not to mention that they are consistently in top 100 as one of the nation’s leading employers – and treat their employees well – everything from flexible hours for single parents and college students, retirees who need to supplement their income – to health insurance for part-timers and incentives to attend college – the list is endless.
Oh and let’s not forget – triple coupons! Do they still do that?? I miss that too! Just a great store on every level!
I lived in Syracuse, NY until 14 years ago when because of the weather 9no surprise there) we moved to Greensboro, NC (which I love), except that we have no Wegmans here. Since I still have family in NY, everytime we visit, it’s a must on our to-do-list, even if it’s a fly in with only a couple days available to us. On trips of longer duration, we bring food from Wegmans home with us. There is NO other store like Wegmans. My husband is in the industry and has visited all the stores they listed and still – there is no other store like them. Hat’s off to you Wegmans for keeping prices low so that everyone can buy healthy food, but choices high so that everyone has one. Great job – keep up the good work.
Wegmans….come to Western MA!! Son’s in school in Ithaca and Wegman’s a must-stop very visit; may not be clear to said son why we visit so often…
Nothing compares to Wegmans. It’s in a different galaxy from any other grocery store. I grew up spoiled with a Wegmans nearby in Syracuse. When I lived in Charlotte I would drive 6 hours each way once a month to suburban DC and load up my car, cooler included, with Wegmans products. Now I live in Atlanta and I am lucky to visit a Wegmans once or twice a year. It is the Gold Standard of grocery stores. I, too, recall bringing friends to show off Wegmans when they would visit. Bravo and may Wegmans work its way to Georgia very soon!
Having been from WNY – Buffalo Area – I miss Wegman’s and after going to college in Erie, I would make the trek up Peach Street to get everything from Wegman’s. So great to see a local grocer making such an impact!
I had shopped at Albertson’s when I lived in Tampa, so I wasn’t too impressed by the small old Wegman’s in my East Ave neighborhood when I first moved to Rochester. But then I discovered the bigger newer Wegman’s in the ‘burbs–and I’m so happy! We don’t have Trader Joe’s here, but I shop there whenever I travel (and end up with really heavy carry-on luggage!).
I grew up in Gates where Wegman has their headquarters…..i now live in Charlotte NC and travel for a living. There is NO supermarket that even comes close to Wegmans. When I go home to see my parents, Ialways stp by Wegmans and load up on local favorites to bring back to NC…we need Wegmans in the Carolinas !!!!
Like many others, I grew up in WNY and loved shopping at Wegmans. Now living in Maryland, we have a Harris Teeter 5 minutes away, but it’s just not the same. I still drive half an hour to the closest Wegmans to get their produce, deli, meats, and bakery items. I can’t wait until they open a Wegmans in Columbia!
Please tell us where in PA the 2009 Wegman’s will be located. I’m eager for one to open up in Reading!!
Since you live in Reading I am sure by now you have heard that the new Wegmans is opening this coming Sunday Oct. 11 in Collegeville. Right off of 422 very easy to get to. I have no idea how old this thread is but thought I wouldlet you know if you didn’t know already. They even have a pub where you can have a great meal!
We just moved to Seattle from Rochester, NY. We have Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and Safeway within walking distance, but nothing compares to Wegman’s! They have wonderful store brands, amazing seafood and fresh local produce all at a great price. The Pittsford Wegman’s should be on everyone’s “Places to Visit Before Dying” list.
I moved to Austin, Texas from Cherry Hill, NJ and also miss Wegmans. Whole Foods and Central Market can come close to what they were, but can’t top it. Their cafe was actually a destination for me to eat at, and they offered plenty of regular groceries on top of their organic selections.
I grew up in Buffalo and moved to Rochester and love Wegman’s. Now living in Charlotte, I wish Wegmans would come here. Like everyone ahead of me has said that anytime I go for a visit to Buffalo, it is a must that we go to Wegman’s, they even serve breakfast. I wish Trader Joe would come to Buffalo, then my 2 favorite stores would be in the same place….
Coming from Skaneateles, outside of Syracuse, I LOVED Wegmans growing up! Although I now live in Atlanta where there is a super market on every corner, Wegmans blows them all out of the water! Bring Wegman’s to Atlanta!!!
Rochesterian here. *waves at everyone else*
I have friends from all over the country, and when they visit here, the first thing we do is go to the Wegmans five minutes from my house (evidently, it’s one of the most important stops they want to see). I used to work for Danny at the store-level, and it was great. :)
By the way, my little bro in NYC wants a Wegmans down there. Badly.
Love Wegmans. Moved to Pittsford a year ago from Bakersfield, CA. (Yay!) The new boss invited us to dinner and afterwards suggested we walk to Wegmans nearby. I thought visiting a grocery store was a rather dull idea. Surprise! My jaw dropped and I marveled at this unbelievable place with whole fresh swordfish and 12 kinds of apples and a tea barrista, and and and…
Another satisfied Wegman’s customer. Wasn’t Weggie’s #1 on Forbes best places to work? And another thing worth noting: for us on a special diet, the house brand is clearly marked when gluten-free. That makes shopping SO hassle-free. I’m another customer who gladly drives 40 miles to shop Wegmans. My sister-in-law who lives in Eastern PA heard of a developer who takes a client to lunch at Wegman’s as a compelling reason to move to the area. And I heard it was a successful strategy!
We lived in the Lehigh Valley in PA for a year seven years ago. Since then we’ve lived in Indiana, Illinois, and North Carolina and have never found a grocery store that even comes close to Wegman’s – it’s the best. We miss it and hope the Wegman family will (very soon) expand to the Raleigh, NC market. It’s a perfect consumer market for their store, especially Cary and the fast-expanding north Raleigh areas. Plus, so many people are northern transplants that we’re not the only ones lamenting the fact that there’s no Wegman’s here. A ready-made and enthusiastic customer base!
Wegmann’s opened on the NJ shore about 2 yrs ago. It has become a primary shopping outlet for my household due to a recent Celiac Disease diagnosis (no wheat or gluten in your diet). Wegmann’s is the only food retailer that has Celiac only isles and also labels their food labels with a Gluten-Free label for persons with Celiac Disease. They couldn’t have arrived in NJ sooner for our purposes…. I wish more food retailers were as in tune to dietary needs as Wegmann’s.
living in chicago we have WF and Fox&Obel, but I can’t wait to move back to PA, Wegmans is awesome with the same or greater selection at lower prices… we’re looking for a new home and our criteria for location was that it had to be within 15mins of the downingtown, pa Wegmans… and our real estate agent understood perfectly… but we’re expanding the area now since they are set to open the malvern, pa Wegmans in 2009… like everyone mentioned, it is simply a great store…
Wegmans is not just a shop, it’s a sanctuary! Flip through the 1999 Cornell yearbook and you’ll see a big splashy photo of the Ithaca Wegmans right across the center pages. A few years ago, while visiting relatives in the DC suburbs in VA, I happened to catch the grand opening of a new Wegmans… you’d think you were at a homecoming game… people tailgating in the parking lot, waving signs welcoming the store to their neighborhood.. it was quite a sight! Hey Danny, here in NE Ohio we’re only a couple of hours away from W NY…. when are you coming over??
Hubby’s from Rochester so he introduced me to Wegmans. Apparently, if one is interviewing for a faculty position at U of Rochester, one is taken to Wegmans during the 2-day interview to show how amazing grocery shopping is in that city!
Looking forward to the Wegmans opening in Fredericksburg (we live in Richmond). A TJ’s recently opened and we love it!
I live in Rochester, Wegmans HQ. Wegmans is a nice store, beautifully displayed with a nice selection of healthy products. They have succeeded by copying other successful business models. For example, Stu Leonard’s grocery chain was once considered the most innovative of all grocers in the US. Wegmans copied their model exactly. Wegmans likes to test market by copying other innovative products as well. For example, they will carry a great product, the public buys the product, they gather a following for the product, then develop a Wegmans-brand version of the product and discontinue the product that everyone likes, so you are forced to purchase their brand, where the achieve a higher profit margin. Yes, its a lovely experience to shop at Wegmans, but I think their business model is despicable. Doesn’t matter, because all they care about is the bottom line.
I too wish Wegmans would move into my area (Long Island). I grew up with Wegmans, worked there for my first job, now my best friend’s son works for Weggies. Every time I go upstate I have to visit them – my coworkers laugh when I demand we detour for my regular “pilgrimage” to the shrine that is the Wegmans store! Mary Ellen Burris must be really tired of getting my emails and customer comment cards begging them to come to Long Island. Even the Bronx would be close enough.
didn’t Wegmans sell cigarettes up to like a year ago?
Super healthy…pioneers they are, finally removing them after 89 years. And the pharmacy, love the convenience of being able to pick up all my prescriptions while I shop!
The thing that’s impressive about Wegmans is that they have been able to expand south toward Virginia and still keep the quality of product and service to the standards that Robert Wegman instilled in everyone. Bravo!
we are getting a wegman’s in westwood soon. i was happy when it was announced !!!!!!!!!!!!
basically….they no longer sell cigarettes due to concerns for the health of the community, they are consistently ranked in the Top 10 companies to work for in the country, have clear, consistent food labeling, AND just announced price drops on hundreds of everyday items like milk and bread. Their sub shop is the best, too! All I’m trying to say is…Wegmans rocks :)
I also grew up in Rochester NY and now live in North Carolina (seems to be a bunch of us who have responded). Wegmans would make a killing in the Raleigh Durham area with so many previous Wegmans customers now living here. I contacted their future location team and they said no plans to expand into NC as of yet… probably a distribution issue. I tell folks around here it’s like the quality of Whole Foods (or better), the prices of Food Lion, the size of Home Depot, and selection from around the world. Their options for healthy food, prepared, and fresh ingredients are just amazing. They also do a great job networking with local growers to fill as much of their produce sections with smaller farmers goods before going to larger imported sources. It’s by far the best grocery store I’ve ever been to, but better yet, their business model is outstanding. They take care of their customers and employees like family, regardless of the size of the store or how much you purchase. At this point I probably sound like a Wegmans employee, but I’m not… just a fan from Rochester (we don’t have a major sports team, so we support wegmans like one). Hopefully they’ll expand into NC soon!
Ah, Wegmans. I am from WNY as well. Lived in the ATL and now in Central FL. I miss Weggies more than any other thing down here. Wegmans is the BEST grocery store, their fresh produce is unparalleled. I am glad to see I am not alone as a “W” fan who lives in the South. Danny- Please set up shop in FL. thanks.
I live here in Rochester and have been fortunate to travel all over the USA and the world. I must say Wegmans has no equal, and at great prices unlike Whole Foods or “whole paycheck” as they are known. In addition they are always on the top 100 employers list year in and year out. I have friends that started to work for them in college and never left even after they got there degrees. Its nice to see a company spend so much on there employees, and to think they are non-union…
I live in FL and used to visit Rochester a lot on business and discovered Wegman’s. There is no store on earth like them. I could spend hours there. The variety and selection are unbelieveable. I told the store manager they should come to FL. He said, “you have Publix”. I said, “you don’t understand, it cannot compare to Wegman’s”. I would give anything for them to come to FL. Second to that is Trader Joe’s. I visit Trader Joe’s in Dayton, OH when I go home to visit.
While their selection is good, Wegmans still forgets the CUSTOMER!! Shopping is just not “comfortable” at our Syracuse area Wegmans stores. They are designed to be very loud, very spread out, and organized in such a way that you just cannot get shopping done efficiently.
If you are looking for an all day event, where you have to scream your deli orders over the clanging of shopping carts over brick floors, or yell your meat request in an area with an unfinished echoing ceiling, and then walk a mile and a half to your car — then fine. But many, many people I know find that Wegmans has sacrificed the CUSTOMER to promote the “look”.
(Our local senior communities no longer bus to Wegmans due to the discomfort of trying to hear over the noise in the deli, bakery, meat, fish, and produce area!! Now THAT shows how they’ve completely over looked the customer!)
Wegman isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. They gave my poor mom a hard time because she wrote out a personal check. They have an immense selection, I’ll give you that. Some of my other faves: Rainbow Market in San Fran (all vegetarian); Jungle Jim’s in Fairfield OH (biggest gocery store with foods from every country); and Valli Produce in western Chicago suburbs (very inexpensive featuring lots of produce and international foods).
Wegman’s is the best grocery store hands down. They have much better prices that Whole Foods, since it’s not just an organic store. My inlaws request a trip to Wegman’s when they are visiting from TX.
In terms of *just* produce, Delicious Orchards (one store in NJ) is probably my #1, though. There’s nothing else quite like it.
Many years ago (at least 15) I visited my brother who was living in Rochester, NY at the time. He took us to Wegmans, boasting it was the best store he had ever seen. Well, he was right. All these years later, the impression Wegman’s left on me still leaves me wanting more. Living in SW Virginia, the choices are limited to Kroger and Food Lion for the most part. I guess a girl can always dream!!
I went to college in western NY, and now live in Maine, I have never found a grocery store that compares to Wegmans. I can only wish someday they may start moving east. Until then I get to revisit every 5 years when I go to my reunion.
I’d LOVE to have a Whole Foods move into Rochester! I’ve emailed the HQ several times. I think a fair amount of Wegmans shoppers would jump over to Whole Foods. The other stores in Rochester are quite lame, so Wegmans has the market share. Come on Whole Foods…come to Rochester and give us a choice!!!
We feel so fortunate to live in the ‘home town’ of Wegmans. They have pioneered so many of the advances in the grocery world; bar codes, ‘home cooked’ takeout food, seafood bars, in store restaurants, custom meat markets, and even removing from sale all tobacco products. As a Realtor I make it a point to take out of town clients to visit a Wegmans on their first trip to town. They’re always impressed!
I LOVE Wegmans!! I’m near Buffalo NY and it’s the only place I shop. Best supermarket ever!
I had to laugh when I read this article and all the comments. I am from Rochester, live in San Diego and I just came back to Rochester for a visit and what is the first thing I did after I got the rental car, yep, went to Wegmans. I have shopped at Whole Foods for the last few years and they are OK, but way to expensive. The Pittsford Wegmans is the best I have every seen. Oh, and for Becky in NY, I have friends all over this country that came from Rochester and not one thinks Whole Foods is better, not one! And those that moved to Rochester for school from other places agree. Rochester used to be known as the home of Kodak, Xerox and B&L, but now it seems everywhere I go people ask me about Wegmans.
If your goal is finding what you want at the lowest price and getting out quickly Wegman’s is not the answer. Their prices are never the lowest and it takes hours to get in and out. A large percentage of floor space is “boutique” stuff that just makes getting around the too big stores very hard.
They may score high for food quality, but they are awful on convenience. Unless shopping is your hobby their stores are overkill.
I visited a Wegmans in Fairfax Va. for the first time in Feb. this year. If we had a Wegmans in Overland Park Kansas, one of the countrys highest per capita income cities, it would be an enormous success. I wonder if we could get a decent seafood selection clear in the middle of the country.
I am currently 3 miles from Wegmans (Bethlehem, PA)and couldn’t be happier. Not only do they have an extensive product line of healthy foods, they also distribute produce from local farmers, instead of bringing it in from out-of-state. They wholly support the local community and their prices on staple products are lower than any other supermarket I have shopped in (including Weis, Giant, and SuperFresh). I thought living near a Trader Joe’s was great in New Jersey, but I’m even happier with Wegmans. So thrilled to have it recognized here.
I pray that Wegman’s come to Raleigh, NC. I visited my first Wegman’s in Woodbridge, NJ, and it’s a wonderful shopping experience. Since I’m a food lover, I can spend all day in Wegman’s. I love everything from their spectacular hot bars to their fresh produce to their wonderful flavored coffee.
Wegmans has no equal. It’s better than whole foods quality at lower than walmart prices. Nothing compares. I moved to NYC and seriously miss it.
I hope Danny Wegman and his family are reading all of the wonderful comments they are receiving. I for one wouldn’t shop anywhere else. I have to admit my husband works for the other very popular market in the Buffalo area and we still shop at Wegmans. The pricing is better, the produce is better and the Nature’s Market is the best.
Rochester ny born and raised, living in LA. I will literally take a Wegmans sub sandwich on my flights with me out of Rochester when leaving home. Everyone always says, why didn’t I think of that? It is the best grocery store on the planet, incredible selection at the lowest price. amazing
Wegmans is also a great employer to work for. They treat employees very well and even have (or used to) a (partial) college scholarship program for high school students.
i have coffee with friends there evry wed am–luv it-5 daughters come home from nj,ill,mass,ri and even rochester–all head for wegmans–keep it up
I lived in Rochester for 30 years and now in FL still send a shopping list to all of the visitors that come my way to see us. There is nothing like the selection. I also worked there for 5 years in the 1980s in the Deli Dept.
I just love to see that within a few hours, there are so many great comments about Wegman’s. Is there even one negative thing to say about them in these comments? I haven’t seen one yet and don’t think there will be many — if any. Come on, Danny, bring the stores cross-country! So many people love your stores, I would have to say you will do great!! There’s nothing like Wegman’s!! :-D
Using store count instead of revenue may be one of the reasons that the “healthiest” list went awry. Try ranking the chains by revenue per store to figure out which ones are truly successful.
When we were stationed in Western New York with the Marine Corps, we loved Wegmans! It’s been nine years since we’ve been to one. We now live in Salt Lake City. Whole Foods is OK, but they are not Wegmans!
Just chiming in to add to the Wegman’s love!! I grew up in Syracuse and was a Wegman’s employee throughout high school and college. I have lived in Los Angeles for 5 years and am a frequent Whole Foods shopper, but every time I’m visiting family in Syracuse, a trip to Wegman’s will actually make me consider relocating back to the ‘Cuse area. A Wegmans in LA would make me the happiest girl in California!!
Everyone loves Weggies up here. It can be a bit more expensive but you can do all of your shopping and even get your fresh produce knowing it was grown locally. I previously worked at Wegmans and know that the stars that visit the Rochester area love Wegmans as well! Every time Cher is in town she visits the Pittsford store and stocks up her tour bus. She has even stated on the news how badly she would love one to open in Beverly Hills… So maybe someday they will move west! I could never live anywhere with out a Wegmans!
I am in West-central Ohio having grown up in the Rochester area and miss Wegman’s everytime I have to walk into a Kroger. There is nothing like a grocery store that actually cares about it’s customers and their shopping experience.
Not only is Wegmans a wonderful store (for all the reasons mentioned before), but it’s important to note that they consistently rate as one of the ten best employers to work for in the country.
i’ve been shopping at wegmans since i’ve lived in upstate ny…everytime i visit family i am reminded how spoiled i am to have my choice of two of them within a 10 minutes drive!
i remember when people were so excited to take me into a wild oats, or whole foods, or trader joes and i had to not respond with indifference, thinking “but…wegman’s has been doing this already! what’s the big deal?”
i fear the day they become large enough to make your survey…i suspect that’s when the quality of the store will decline.
I’ve a lifetime Rochesterian and I know how lucky we are to have Wegmans. Everything from the customer service, to the delicious sampling tables (given by people who know the product and how to cook it), to the $4.99 whole cooked rotisserie chickens that I buy at least once a week (delish!)Every time we have out of town company, they always go to Wegmans! It doesn’t get any fresher as far as meat and produce – it’s the best!
I live less than a half mile from Wegmans and can walk there — this comes in handy during the holidays when cars are fighting for parking spaces!. I can’t even remember life before Wegmans because I do most of my shopping there, and not just for groceries — I bought my patio furniture there too! I do hope they expand (because I hope they make it to the top of this list next year) but not at the expense of the quality of the products and their low prices.
I grew up just south of Rochester (Canandaigua to be prescise); and even as a health-food freak vegetarian, wegmans was always there for me. My mother is from the old country (Germany), and Weggies (no one really says wegmans who lives by one) was the only place she could find ‘real food’ in the states. They introduced a ‘health-food’ and organic section as far back as ‘94. Now, other lifestyle choices have led me to live in Hawaii (WNY is just too cold), but I still hold faint hope that Good Ol’ Weggies will someday come here….
I moved to Sydney, Australia 15 years ago. I still miss Wegman’s.
I went to school at Syracuse University and Wegmans was a slice of heaven for 4 years and a ’stop on the tour’ for everyone from out of town. I am dying for a Wegmans to come to NYC. It is most definitely the best chain grocery store out there.
I remember Danny giving Cher a tour of Wegmans in the late 90’s. She begged him to bring the store to California.
To Steve B in San Diego. See, that’s what makes America wonderful. We can all have our opinions. I too have many friends that prefer Central Market in Austin, TX and Whole Foods WAY BETTER than Wegmans, so try not to put other people’s opinions down.
I MISS MY WEGGIES!! I grew up in Fairport (near Rochester) now live in the Triad area of NC. When my parents (they’re in Charlotte) and I visit my grandmother in Gates, on a five day trip, we average about 9 trips to Wegmans. We hit the one in Erie on the way up and usually go to three or four stores while in Rocha-cha-cha. We bring coolers for the trip back. Everyone that I have ever met that has been inside a Wegmans knows why I love it and miss it so much. My cousin who lives in Paris (and grew up in Syracuse) bumped into a man that knew she was an American and he talked about how in his visit to America that he went into this great grocery store- and she yelled WEGMANS? and he was so excited that she knew of it.
So when are we going to get one here? I live in a very small town, but I would drive an hour to Greensboro or Charlotte to do my stocking up!!
If I were a female grocery store, I’d give Wegman’s a long BJ.
alert(‘Wegman’s. MMMM tasty’)
I can’t believe that Wegman’s wasn’t on the top 10 list of healthy grocery stores that I recently saw on cnn.com. SuperTarget? Seriously? Wegman’s is more than a grocery store – it’s like an experience. It makes something as mundane as food shopping into a beloved affair. It inspires me everyday, keeps me healthy, and keeps my taste buds on edge. I hope that I never have to move away from Wegman’s because every other grocery pales in comparison. It may seem odd to be in love with your grocery store, but for those of you who don’t get it, you obviously don’t live near a Wegman’s.
I’ve been in Chicago for 10+ years. Not a year goes by where I don’t log onto Wegmans’ website and request that they open up a store in the midwest. Everytime I run into someone else from CNY, one of the first items of conversation is: “So you know about Wegmans! Don’t you miss it?!” If we were to move, I’d probably have to pick a city with a Wegmans nearby–nothing else compares (and I’ve shopped at most of the stores listed as being the top 10 healthiest)!
I grew up in the Rochester, NY area and I agree with the others. Wegmans is simply THE BEST. I’ve been to Whole Foods since moving to Arizona, and Whole Foods is clearly not Wegmans. Central Market in Dallas is no Wegmans either. Sorry. Wegmans has all the specialty stuff, but all the regular stuff that kids and many people want too. Their dedication to their employees shows – they are always smiling and enjoy working there. No surprise Wegmans is a top ten Forbes best places to work. Don’t believe me? Go visit a Wegmans yourself. The one in Pittsford, NY (Rochester area) is the showcase local attraction!
Because of Wegmans, I may never relocate from WNY!!!It is simply the best. The workers are fantastic, the food is always fresh. I feel healthier just by walking in the door! Others in this area try, but they just don’t cut it. Wegmans has also looked at the needs of the families it serves and lowered prices on staples. That is leadership at its best. I am a loyal shopper for life!
Grew up in Wegmans country, great stores. Now in Hannaford country and of the choices they are superior to the others but a little short of Wegmans. I do have to say that if you want the freshest produce nothing beats a good farmers market and local farms.
I don’t know what happened to my comment so I’ll try again! I’m from Canada but my boyfriend is from Rochester. Every time I go to visit him, I have got to stop at Wegmans before I go home, and usually we go there at least once a weekend to pick up something for dinner, or pick up something to bring to a friend’s house or whatever. Wegmans is a fantastic store, I love it! Their Signature Crab Cake is to die for and every time I go, I find something new and delicious to try. I can’t say enough good things about Wegmans. If I ever move to Rochester, I’ll be going there to look for a job in their food services dept!
I grew up in Rochester, and miss Wegman’s every time
I go grocery shopping. Whole Foods is great, but nothing compares to Wegmans. Please come to Boston!
Well.. I figured since everyone else only had good things to say about Wegmans, then I would be the one to say the negative. I just can’t think of anything.
If this list is based on number of stores (instead of gross revenues) well then, that’s ridiculous.
After five years in New western New York, I truly, truly miss Wegman’s. The cashiers are friendly, they treat you like real honest to goodness customers, not like they are doing you a service to be there, and the selection of fresh foods is great!!!
I’m glad to be back down south because I was born in the South, but I do wish Wegman’s would come to southwest Virginia, like Roanoke?, and, soon, please????
Wegmans is the only thing I miss from NY! It was exciting to go to Whole Foods for the first time, but I ended up disappointed…it sure as heck isn’t Wegmans! There’s really nothing like it in the world. How I LONG to stroll down those aisles again….and the Italian food section is so incredible! None of the grocery stores out here can even hold a candle to their produce section! Thanks to Wegmans, I grew up thinking that produce shipped in from other states was WEIRD! Imagine my surprise when I moved out here! Those of you near a Wegmans, do me a favor, head out there and sit down for lunch and marvel at how incredible it is. Sigh.
I grew up in and most of my family lives in cold, cloudy, super snowy Rochester. W/ the exception of my family, Rubino’s homemade sausage and Wegmans I do not miss it at all.
But Wegmans had such a great selection such as their all made up corned beef dinner with all veggies included all you had to do was pop it in the oven on st patties day delicious! And their own pizza sauces that I doubled as pasta sauces. I shop at Trader Joe’s now but the selection is minimal compared to the Pittsford and Penfield Wegmans where I lived especially.
I wrote a letter to Wegmans begging them to expand their market.
They graciously responded explaining that one of the reasons their food is so fresh and delicious is that their stores are never far from their warehouses and they are not ready to expand that kind of infrastructure to the west.
(sigh)but I appreciated their response and explanation that they would have to lower their standard to expand any faster.
WEGMANS
Sigh..Wegmans. Miss it SO much. My son went to school in Ithaca, NY, and when we’d visit, he often wondered if I was more excited to visit Wegmans than to see him.
One visit, my husband took pictures of me posing in different depts in Wegmans, and we ended up having a security guard follow us around. Oops.
I love Wegman’s for their vast selection of Gluten Free products. Better than Whole foods by a mile. I go to the one in Johnson City everytime I’m home visiting. Ever think of opening up stores in CA – would love to see you here.
My mom and I are both Wegmans biggest fans….It is a must stop and see when friends come into town, the staff is second to none, the selection outstanding, beautiful stores, good prices, rave rave rave ….whenever we are up in the North Country ( St Lawrence River ) we suffer with the little chain stores up there, my mom calls me with a list of Wegmans brand must haves like the triple berry jams to bring up when I go ! WE LOVE WEGMANS !
I am originally from Western, New York, I have lived in Georgia and now live in Texas. I have shopped at Whole Foods and Publix in Georgia and Central Market, Kroger and Albertsons in Texas and have found nothing to compare to Wegman’s. I am hoping that oneday Wegmans will come to Texas!
Wegmans is awesome and they will be even better when their bakery items are made without trans fats…too many products still contain partially hydrogenated fats.
Wegman’s rocks! I’m a recent transplant from central Texas to Rochester, NY. I was Central Market’s biggest fan for years, until moving here and discovering Weggie’s. In my book, the advantage Wegman’s has over Central Market and Whole Foods is the wide selection of LOCAL products. Good to see Wegman’s get the recognition it well deserves.
Wegman’s is far and away the best grocery store I’ve ever walked in to. It’s like heaven opened a grocery store! We moved to San Diego about 18 months ago and one of the first things we do EVERY TIME we head back to NJ is stop at Wegman’s. The selection of food, the prepared food, the coffee, the chinese buffet… there’s nothing like it.
hey y’all,
i is from niagara falls, ny, and the onliest
store i goes to is wegmans on military rosd. its
always clean, fresh veggies, and meat, and good
prices overall.
walmart is building a super walmart across the street from wegmans, i for one am a loyal wegmans
shopper, screw super walmart. danny wegman,not to worry. your store shall always have walmart beat.
pete
Well let me expand on what my husband just said!!!!! How we miss Wegman’s; we had all our first dates at the Chinese buffet!! My sister joked that Wegman’s would have to cater our wedding. Now we are in San Diego, where the weather is divine and there are a thousand fun activities for our new son (due in February!) — but alas, no Friday night dinners at Wegmans! Almost wants me to given up the paradise of SoCal and go back to Jersey!! Only people who’ve been to Wegman’s understand that this is NOT crazy!! ;-)
I spent most of my life in CNY and then in Maryland. Growing up, we drove 35 minutes to go to Wegmans in Dewitt or Ithaca instead of the other stores in the area. I may have a Whole Foods one block away here in LA, but I dearly, dearly miss the better produce, dairy and meat/seafood selections of Wegmans! I manage to shop cheaply at Whole Foods (with care it *can* be done), but Wegmans is still just a better deal. I even have my Wegman’s reusable shopping bags here in Cali with me.
Living in Rochester, Wegman’s is an institution here. They know how to run a store the right way, it should be a model for every retail business in the country. They are consistently in Fortune’s top 5 for Best Places to Work, that says it all.
When Wegman’s came to the Lehigh Valley, PA area, it was love at first encounter. What a true grocery store run by people who truly are grocers. You can shop in many ways at Weggies, Quick, already-prepared food that is wholesome to innovative items to fulfil your health views. Or you can shop the middle of the store for regular grocery store items but with the Wegman’s brand delivering good value. I do not visit health food stores usually because Weggies carries all I need plus top produce and healthy meat lines. Hooray! my favorite store!
Moved to NE Virginia from Little Rock,Arkansas. I feel so fortunate to have a Wegman’s nearby. It’s simply amazing!! Nothing else come close to the cleanliness,quality and variety of Wegman’s. Little Rock has a Whole Foods and Wild Oats and thats all. Most of the supermarkets in Arkansas seem to be from another era(old,rundown and filthy)compared to Wegmans’s. Also have a Trader Joe’s nearby and show there on occasion.
I shop at Wegmans and appreciate the Nature’s Marketplace and fresh produce, but with food allergies and as a whole foods consumer (generally) feel it would not match up to Whole Foods. I’m hoping and looking forward to a Whole Foods coming to Rochester, not only for the competition but for a larger selection of whole foods.
I too am from NY and love Wegmans. I live near Boston now and do not have anything that even comes close. Whole Foods is good, but it’s still not Wegmans. I hear we are getting one in Westwood. It’s a bit of a drive, but I can’t wait!!
I grew up in Rochester, birthplace of Wegmans, but I left for about 8 years. I never thought I could miss a grocery store so much! I am now back in Roch, and LOVING Wegmans. Sure, I have a few complaints, like them constantly reorganizing and moving things on me, and the lack of brand choice since there is a Wegmans brand version of everything (although I will say, the Wegmans brand is generally very high quality). But the produce is amazing – and they carry a ton of locally grown items – and very well priced. The customer service is amazing – I’ve never been to a grocery store where the employees were so consistently helpful and cheerful. AND, my Wegmans has babysitting!! That’s right – I bring the kids in, drop them off at the front, and can shop in peace. It’s heavenly. And I’m loving their new expanded beer section, too! Tons of my favorite micro-brews available right where I normally shop.
It doesn’t get any better. We are building a European village lifestyle center in Raleigh,N.C., and have a great gourmet market operator who hopes to capture the Wegman’s experience on a smaller scale. They certainly set a standard for excellence that is enviable.
omg Wegmans is SOOOOOO amazing…there used to be this one gurl that used to work the special services counter and she was SOOOOO cute and sometimes helpful but she listened to really bad music like Ben Folds Five but hey, we cant all be perfect now can we? oh well; Wegmans…how I miss you and your lovely aisles filled with things that are so yummy in my large and fake tanned tummy…
hmm…so I didnt realize the whole star thing meant that whatever you typed for name would be posted…slightly embarrassing…yeah. true story. not too many virgil’s around you know…wow. GO WEGMANS!
Here in NJ we have Wegmans all over the state. Their produce section has to be the best I’ve ever seen. You can get great sushi, organics, and their bakery and cheese cases are amazing. I’m originally from Florida and I was surpised to see PUbLIX on this list. They are nothing compared to Wegmans!!!
I’m also a former Rochesterian & now live in NC..been 10 long yrs. I soooo miss WEGMANS! That’s all I pretty much talk about down here to everyone. I tell them that if they ever see a Wegmans, they need to actually go in & check it out. I still go home to Rochester to visit my family & Wegmans, of course!!! Who doesn’t love Wegmans! Where else can you go to purchase Artichokes at approx. 4 for $2.99. Down here in Harris Teeter’s, I have to pay $2.99 for ONE! HT tries but they will never be Wegmans! Congrats to Danny!
Nothing and I repeat NOTHING compares to Wegmans from the produce section to the frozen foods and bakery, to the deli and fresh meat all the way to the register! even as a former employee Wegmans is the perfect start for groceries and a resume! I miss Wegmans now that I live in the DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia)but I always return to the best grocery store ever whenever I return home to Rochester. Congratulations to Wegmans for finally getting recognized!
Having lived in Rochester, NY for 25 years, there is nothing like Wegmans. I travel from my home in Williamsburg, VA once a month to shop at one of their Northern VA stores. It is worth every minute of the trip. I wish they would come farther south. Excellence beyond anyone’s imagination.
There is nothing in the entire world like Wegmans. It is the finest of the finest – nothing will ever beat it. It is an experience. I loved going out from driveway and could head in any direction and there would be a Weggies nearby. Perfection is the only word to describe a Wegmans.
Wegmans you are really needed in Raleigh NC – I’d settle for Cary – we need a place where my husband and I, both in our middle/upper 80s, could purchase takeout that we would enjoy on those days, becoming more and more, when I am unable to cook. So please listen to our plea!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wegman’s is amazing!!!! I love it there! The variety and selection is wonderful, the staff are so kind and helpful and its very convenient for my family. We are so pleased with the choices we have. Every time a family member comes to town they are always so suyrprised and amazed with the quality and selections. My cousins came to visit and she came back from Weggies so happy! She said Oh my Gosh! Its fantastic there! There was so much to choose from and everything was clean and very good quality! Wegmans has helped me make the right choices for my body very conveniently, I want to see it like that for all of America!!!!:~)
i am a rochestarian (rochester, ny) and VERY proud of my wegmans. as a kid we shopped at one of the very first wegmans dating back decades, adn loved it then! they have a major emphasis on customer service-from a stock boy knowing where everything is, to the “helping hands” crew who will load up your car, offer pull-up service, free umbrella use etc. the reasons are endless that i love, and will be loyal to wegmans. they treat every employee like family,and shoppers as guests in their home. it’s a great story. visitors from out of town actually ask to go to wegmans, the way people marvel at a big city tourist trap. but with better coffee.
I am originally from Syracuse and miss Wegman’s more than anything. It puts any of the markets out here (Whole Foods, Bristol Farms) to shame with it’s excellent selection and consumer friendly prices.
Whenever I go anywhere I always have to go to the local supermarkets and nothing ever compares to Wegmans. I am lucky to have one by my house and by all three of my offices in upstate NY…
Moving to Erie, PA from Buffalo 15 years ago, was I happy to see Wegman’s move here at the same time! I am vegetarian and anything I would like to receive in their Nature’s Food Department, Wegman’s will get. There are more items in packages, unlike Whole Foods who sells in bulk, dangerous for people with food allergies such as my nephew. Plus Wegman’s highlights local farmers’ produce, was the first to bring in clothe bags, great pharmacy department too. My sister from Canada loves shopping there too!
Since leaving the Rochester area, we’ve lived in Virginia, Ohio and now back to Fredericksburg. There is nothing (except Whole Foods in Columbus) that comes near Wegmans, and believe me we’ve looked. When we visit Rochester, my husband tries to limit my visits but to no avail! No one in Fredericksburg understands why we are so excited. I cannot wait to show them around. It’ll be like taking them ‘home’ and sharing our experience with them. Many years ago, my husband worked at the sign company in Rochester that made the Wegmans signs. He also worked with Wegmans to develop the Market Cafe logo. They will be welcome, friendly sights to us. Cannot wait!
Also, I hope Wegmans offers Rochester White Hots if only on a limited basis. There are plenty of transplants down here who would be happy to have some at our cookouts. We bring them back and have friends brings them when they visit. Those and Grandma Browns baked beans make a picnic!
I grew up in Fayetteville, NY just outside of Syracuse and went to college in Rochester. I always shopped at Wegmans. We even had a nickname for it; we affectionately called it Wegs. I now live in Idaho Springs, CO just west of Denver. We have several Whole Foods and Wild Oats markets around Denver, but they don’t even come close to Wegmans. To Susan, who said she is a “whole foods consumer” and that Wegmans would not match up to Whole Foods (grocery store) – you are mistaken! Have you seen Wegmans’ produce section? I like Whole Foods (store), but I don’t like the fact that people buy into the marketing and high prices rather than judging on quality, taste and selection. Yes, Wemans is a “traditional” grocery store; not just a “natural” grocery store, but if you use your own common sense, you will find that you can find as many or more organic and whole food products, nutritional and fresh items, ethnic items, prepared foods, and vitamins as any natural food store. The best part is it is generally less expensive and less “niche” in it’s appeal and availability. I know 99% of the people reading and commenting agree with me. We all love and are very passionate about out Wegmans. Please come to Denver (better yet, how about Evergreen? It’s a little closer).
Moved down to Charlotte over 18 months ago and not a single day goes by where I don’t miss Wegmans. Everytime we go back home (Syracuse and Buffalo) it is the first place we stop when we get into town. Very excited to have a bigger car for our next trip; more room to fill it up with groceries!
I worked at the orignal Whole Foods in Austin near Barton Creek and used to brag about it all the time, because there was nothing like it back in the eighties. I lived all over and shopped from Harris-Teeter to Trader Joes and nothing, I mean nothing has compared to Wegmans. It has everything!! You cannot beat the customer service and fresh food. I am lucky enough to have two within traveling distance from my house!!!!
I too live in DC. The one in Sterling doesn’t take long to get to.
Amazing!!! I just read all the posted praise for Wegman’s and agree whole heartedly.
I have lived in various cities across the U. S. and have never encountered anything better than Wegman’s. I currently live in Memphis, TN and have a Super Target and a Whole Foods but, I still talk to people about the Wegman’s experience.
I live near a Wegman’s and it is pretty much taken for granted that everyone shops there. The hard part is when you travel out of Wegman’s Country and there is no where to go.
I moved from WNY to metro DC 10 years ago and was shocked by the grocery shopping experiences I had to endure. I actually took a video camera through a Wegmans to show my DC friends what real grocery shopping is. My favorite part of Wegmans moving into our area is being able to get the WNY products again – like Bison Chip Dip. Danny – please bring Cuba Cheese to the Wegmans in VA – I have a dependancy that only you can fulfill.
I grew up in the Triple Cities area of NY.(Binghamton, Johnson City, Endicott) and we always shopped at Giant, or one of the other local stores. Then Wegmans moved in. We shop there whenever we can. Unfortunately, I had to move out of the area due to job issues, and ended in the Pacific NW. The fresh food here isn’t too bad, what with Safeway, TJ’s, etc. Wegmans is still better than most everything here. Maybe not in seafood, when you can buy fish from saltwater that are still moving. LOL Keep it up. Wegmans. We come back to NY to visit several times a year, and that is almost always first stop.
I read an article in the Charlotte Observer within the year that the author had a petition which he solicited signatures showing the demand in Charlotte for a store & sent it to Danny Wegmen. He was very gracious, yet declined. I think we need a support group! Weggies withdrawl
Glad to see the posted explanation – I kept paging through thinking Wegmans HAD to be next on the list and was beginning to doubt Health Magazine’s credibility! I live 5 minutes from a Wegmans and am taking that into consideration when I decide whether to move! No other food shopping experience compares!
Have you ever had a store employee escort you to your car in a torrential rainstorm with an umbrella? When I saw this, I thought- Wegmans is a class act! So when are the shopping cart sanitizers coming?
I was disappointed another store wasn’t on the list because it’s not big enough. Here in Texas, Central Market is better than Whole Foods. Frankly, WF doesn’t deserve its No. 1 rating.
STOP trying to compare Wegmans to wholefoods and Central Market. At Wegmans, you get better cooked, specialty, organic, and locally grown foods. PLUS, you cannot get simple staple items like soda and regular cereals at wholefoods . and the selection at Wegmans is far and away superior than both.
I live 5 minutes from a Pennsylvania Wegman’s…….That is trouble with a capital “T”!
I will never move away from here….I will never shop anywhere else. You uninitiated shoppers have no idea what you are missing!
I wish you all a Wegman’s in your future.
Hard to believe but the one thing I miss about Central NY is Wegmans! I moved to Atlanta 8 years ago and every time I go grocery shopping I miss the W. Whole Foods is good but too expensive, Wegmans is a great shopping experience at affordable prices. PLEASE EXPAND DOWN SOUTH!!!
oink
smells way too fresh
We need a Wegmans in Brooklyn! I am originally from Buffalo, and I still think about Wegmans and how much I miss it on a fairly regular basis (sad, I know). The grocery store in my neighborhood is AWFUL and I LOATHE going there. Wegmans not only had an amazing selection of a large variety of foods, but also had great prices and a friendly and helpful staff! I used to go there just to hang out and look around (again, I know…sad)!
I live in NH and there is not one decent grocery store to be found. Please is it possible for Wegmann’s to consider opening up a store in NH. I have to travel 40 minutes to Trader Joe’s which is on the border of NH and MA.
Living in Texas now, I miss Wegmans…. Yes, Central Market is a wonder (yet expensive), and a place I shop from time to time, however, Wegmans is an unbelievable place to do BOTH specialty shopping AND everyday shopping.
Originally from just north of Syracuse, I’m a steadfast Wegman’s lover myself. I now live on the SW coast of FL. Even though we have Publix, and it’s *okay*… I can’t even express how much I miss having a Wegman’s nearby. The food can’t be beat, the stores are ALWAYS clean… and that BAKERY… just to die for. With the amount of northern transplants, I can’t believe the the bakeries have never heard of Half Moon Cookies down here. For Shame.
I laughed out loud when I read this list and saw Albertson’s and Safeway. Give me a break. Even the way over priced Whole Foods has a big problem with consistency too. Some of their stores are stellar – like when you can order a made fresh for you noodle bowl in Henderson, NV and then stink up the place with their hot case and sushi only bar in La Jolla. Oh and let’s not forget yanking the booths in Mill Valley to put in a window bar that faces *away* from the inside of the store. That was brilliant – destroys the whole notion of community to gain a few more eat and run seats. Dumb.
Some years ago I was on a fishing boat in a very remote area off the coast of Europe heading towards an uninhabited island. There were two other American couples in the boat. One from Michigan one from Conneticut. I said I was currently living in Rochester N.Y. One lady started to tear up and blubbered out…”I miss Wegman’s soooo much”. Apparently there is no shopping experience like it in Ct. She went on to say she didn’t miss anything else about Rochester except Wegmans. I couldn’t figure out why we were talking about a supermarket in the particular circumstances we were in.
Having grown up in Rochester, we certainly miss Wegman’s now that we live in Atlanta. Twice a year visits home to Rochester result in many boxes of their products that return to Atlanta with us. Wegman’s would certainly knock the pants off the competition here.
The thing about Wegmans is that you can go to any of their stores and get Zwiegles Hot Dogs(Poppers), some Don & Bobs, (yes they have it) meat sauce, and go home and pretend that you’re @ Sea Breeze having a chocolate shake & killer fries @ Vic & Irves. Now that’s livin’.(D&B’s is dyno 2, just not as dirty, & there has to be an attraction to anyplace that’s been in business since the 40’s & the health dept would close down!)
I LOVE Wegmans! I used to live up North and was able to shop there all the time. Now in NC, I miss Wegmans but we have 3 of the top 10 here! All that is written is very true about all these stores. Good article.
I live in canandaigua right down the street from Danny Wegman You all say it started in rochester your wrong he started in very wealthy canandaigua NY read one of the sub wrappers once in awhile
canandaigua lake+wegmans= Ya jealous
When the read the original list, I couldn’t believe Wegman’s wasn’t on it, but Super Target was. Thanks for putting this article here to explain! We do not have Wegman’s in Ohio, but I wish we did!!!
Another upstate/western NYer who has moved south and truly misses Wegman’s. Publix, Winn Dixie and Albertson’s DO NOT compare to Wegman’s. I don’t get home much anymore as pretty much all family has moved away (think the snow, cold weather had alot to do with it) but we have friends who come visit every year and we have them bring down our favorite stuff from Wegman’s. Come on Wegman’s expand down south and give these “other” stores something to brag about. Wegman’s is by far the BEST store around.
No more “POST TIME AT THE RACES” for Wegman’s, when I go home to Roch. it is the place I shop great selection , friendy associates willing to help, offering what the comsumer wants.What a concept!!! If Danny came south the the north would win again(this time gladly) and the south would be a better place.
I live in Delaware and our daughter lives in PA. It is a must to go to Wegmans everytime we visit. I love this store and wish they would open up on in Northern Delaware.
I live in Buffalo NY. We do ourshopping at Wegmans almost exclusively. I worked for them growing up and I know they are the best. Best in customer service, food selection and ideas, and one of the best companies to work for. Most other corporations in the food business or not would do well to follow Wegmans lead. Take care of your customers and they will take care of you.
I live in Western New York. i have lived in Rochester, Chautauqua County, Buffalo & now live in Lockport. I LOVE Wegmans! My only beef with Wegmans is that they are building new stores in PA & VA & most likely continue growing in other states & we cannot get a store here in Lockport, although we have been trying to get one here for over 10 years. the closest Wegmans is at least a half hour away. I don’t mind driving, but I’m on a fixed income & the gas prices have made it rather difficult to drive anywhere anymore…(not to mention the high prices of everything else)…I think it’s great that Wegmans is expanding into other states, but it’d be nice to get one in my town.
Oh, how I miss my Wegmans. Born and raised in PA, lived all over the US. Last lived in Chester County, PA and was spoiled with a Wegmans and several Trader Joe’s close by. Here in Lexington, we only have one TJ’s an hour and a half away. What one won’t sacrifice to be near one’s grandbabies? Lexington, KY only has Whole Foods. No comparison! The quality, selection and customer service is not surpassed at Wegmans.
I’ll echo the comments of everyone else – when looking at the original list, every time I clicked forward I expected Wegman’s to come up. I went to college in Ithaca and now live in NYC and still will do grocery shopping when I go visit friends in the area. Wegman’s is awesome!
Wegmans is an adventure in grocery shopping. I find food items there, that I just can’t find anywhere else. Fresh, clean, bright, and organized, Wegmans is #1 with me. I drive out of my way to shop there.
I found this article very informative. I have shopped at all of the chains on the East coast in the DC metro area and agree that the experts analysis of these stores is right on. I am a total food person and get excited when I can go into a food store and find so much fresh beautiful produce. I was also glad that Wegmans was mentioned because I LOVE their stores. They are my vision of the perfect store. I drive quite a few miles from home just to shop in one of their stores.
I live in Maine and use Hannafords. Defininatly NOT close to Wegmans. I became used to Wegmans in the Syracuse area. I miss it so much there is a picture of a Wegmans in my kitchen. I love it when I hear people in our current store say that they too miss Wegmans. If I could, I’d subsidize a new Wegmans here in Maine. Then life would be closer to perfect.
I am a native NYr now living in Virginia. I was SO HAPPY to see Wegman’s come to my neighborhood. It’s like going home every week! My husband, a native Virginian is hooked.
I worked for Wegmans for 5 Years, and grew up in Rochester, NY. There is nothing like a Wegmans, now in Phoenix, AZ, yeah there is a store on every corner, but nothing like a Wegmans. If they expand out west…Wegmans will crush the competition.
Having worked for Wegmans I’m not suprised at all the response! Now living in Florida. There is nothing to compare to here. Pittsford, Dewit are must see stores, as are Sheridan Dr. & Alberta Dr. in the Buffalo area. Miss all of you!!!!
I haven’t been in a Wegmans in the past 15 years, but I do remember how nice their store in Ithica was. It was so much nicer than Tops. Great American didn’t even compare. It was worth the 45 minute drive just to get their fresh pizza. I moved out of NY State in the early 90s and now sadly the majority of my food purchaces come from the Super Wal-Mart, Kroger and Aldi. Hardly a memorable experience. I would love to see Wegmans branch out in the midwest.
Interesting that no one (maybe too young?) remembers when Wegman’s forced Star Markets out of Rochester with their triple coupon war. They seem all warm & fuzzy but that was a cutthroat tactic to gain market share.
I too object to humongous stores where you must literally have to push your cart for a mile to get your shopping done.
I guess I’m more of a basics-oriented shopper also into healthy foods. If you want friendly too, try the Abundance Co-Op Market!
I was in Buffalo 26 years ago to study at UB. Wegmans also was the best supermarket back then. I learned about healthy eating from shopping at Wegmans. After graduated, I had to return to my country and I miss Wegmans so much. I even marked the place on Google Earth and go see it from time to time!!
I’m 54 and my first job in High School was at our local (but small) Wegman’s in Newark, NY. Even back then the customer came first. My daughter now lives in TX and can’t wait to get home for Christmas and go to Wegman’s. I have relatives that come to visit from England and the FIRST place they want to go is Wegman’s – better known as Weggies. Our local store has expanded but the best Wegman’s I’ve been to is in Pittsford, NY. I recently took my Aunt and friend from Puerto Rico to Pittsford Weggies and the friend was in awe. She couldn’t wait to get back to PR and tell her sister that she had to been to a bigger and better Wegman’s than the one her sister visited. I now live a half hour away from my local Weggies and I still take the trip because there is no store to compare it to – anywhere. Keep expanding Wegman’s so everyone can enjoy! By the way, my daughter would love a Wegman’s in Houston, as soon as possible.
Wegman’s is the best of all worlds. It’s a combination of Whole Foods, A Gourmet shop, and a regular grocery store with great savings too. I also love that you can pick up your lunch or dinner and eat there. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and extremely helpful. I feel bad for those that don’t live in the mid-atlantic. You are missing out.
I recently had to move from South NJ down to Alabama. I have missed Wegman’s greatly since moving here. We have a Publix here but it really doesn’t compare to Wegmans. I have even bragged to whomever wants to hear it about this incredible grocery store that has a Market Cafe and an incredible meat, fish and pastry/dessert dept. After reading everyone’s comments, it makes me miss it even more. Also, I too thinks it should have made the list.
I have lived in Atlanta since 1979, but I still miss shopping at Wegmans in Rochester, Ny. Nothing in Atlanta can compare with it. I pray that a Wegman opens in Atlanta soon.
If you have never been to a Wegmans you don’t know what you are missing! I lived in Virginia and it was my favorite store. Now I live in Sarasota, Fl and can’t wait for the day they open a WEGMAN’s here. It’s not like food shopping at all its a culinary delight.
If you did you top chains on $ sales per store Wegmans would have been on the list. No other retailer even comes close to Wegmans in excellence. When people leave upstate New York, Wegmasn is the only thing they miss. They are the best of the best and a family owned business with awesome values. They are the model every other supermarket chain in th world is trying to copy.
To Becky in NY: That business model you find so despicable is a normal business practice among most grocery chains.
Where do you think Wegman’s gets the money to; keep their prices down, pay a decent wage with benefits including college scholarships, offer a free babysitting service while you are shopping, etc.
I don’t know what brands you are talking about. I do know that their house brand shampoo and conditioner are the best. They still carry ‘home town’ brands from western New York such as Hellofagood Cheese and Hoffman Hots which you won’t find anywhere else.
I like most of the rest am a transplanted person from the Rochester area and I miss Wegman’s very much. I live in NYC where there are no Wegman’s but my son lives in NY where there is a branch and every time I visit I stock up on the things I can’t get in NYC!
I read this list fully expecting Weagmans to be #1. Now that I know the reason it isn’t is because of its size, I understand. I spend my winters in southern Florida which is great when you’re
from Rochester,NY, but do I ever miss my Weagmans! We have Whole Foods, Albertson;s & Publix here but there’s no comparison. Once you’ve experienced Weagmans shopping, you’re spoiled for life. Grocery shopping is something we all have to do and Danny makes it as pleasant as possible. My local Weagmans is Pittsford so I really do have the best!
Another here originally from WNY and worked for the other large competitor in Buffalo and once I left them I started shopping at Wegman’s and LOVED them! I have since lived in upstate NY and been to many other parts of the country and now live in the RTP area of NC. No other store compares to Wegmans (Hannaford, Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s) and when I go back to WNY I always make a stop at one of their stores.
Please Wegmans Corporate – if you are reading this – olease consider a store in Chapel Hill or Durham, North Carolina!
Best,
Michelle
Pittsboro, NC
Wegmans is great and all but way too expensive. I lived in Rochester for 9 years (where shopping at Wegmans is like a religion for the natives) and consistently found better value at Tops.
Wegmans is okay as far as general grocery stores is concerned. I lived in Rochester for 20 years and only rarely went there. They are just too expensive. If you live in Rochester, NY and you are looking for organic foods and supplies, skip it, especially if you have to drive. Head over instead to Lori’s Natural Foods and The Abundance Food Co-op. You will, for sure, get good organic produce from local farmers at a good price. Since I’ve moved to Chicago, I’m more impressed with a local produce market called Stanley’s and shop at the local Whole Foods and Trader Joes.
I have the option of experiencing Wegs on a weekly basis. Wegmans and their bakery ROCKS but I find their organic section limited and very expensive. I can say with most certainty that a Trader Joe’s in Victor, NY would be very well received. If they franchised there would be one available to the masses here that would DEFINITELY frequent it! Come to Victor TJ’s!!!!
Wegmans is sorely missed by us as we now live in northern NJ, formerly from Western NY. All their fresh foods and cooking ideas were worth the almost daily trips! Thank goodness we have a TJ’s within a quarter mile of us!
I have the option of experiencing Wegs on a weekly basis but opt to do most of my shopping at Tops. The stores are great and Wegmans bakery does ROCK but on a whole, I find their prices high & their organic section limited and VERY expensive. I can say with most certainty that a Trader Joe’s in Victor, NY would be very well received. IF they franchised there would be one available to the masses here that would DEFINITELY frequent it! PLEASE come to Victor TJ’s!!!!
I love Wegman;s selection – you can get both the regular and the organic or healthy version of most items. And the Wegman house brands are equal to name brands in quality, but at much lower prices. I thought it would be more expensive to shop there, but have been saving about 20% on my weekly bill.
I noted some comment abut being hard to shop at Wegmans. It is easy to shop there. Joing the Wegmans club and use the grocery list feature. Type in your grocery list and the system sorts the list by aisle number at the store you are going to shop. Then they have the most checkout lanes I have ever seen, and they are all manned.
O.K. I need to put in my 2 cents. I was born and raised in Rochester, NY and Wegmans has been and always will be the best in Supermarkets. I moved to Florida in 1999 and back then Wegmans was worlds ahead of other supermarket. I do not miss anything in Rochester except for Wegmans. I took a tour of their Wharehouse when I was in college and it was impressive. You can eat off the floor. That kept it immaculate. So i am also Glad that Wegmans was recognized.
For those few who are saying Wegman’s is too expensive – I beg to differ – it depends on what groceries you’re buying. I did a comparison shop a few years ago. I am on Disability and do not get food stamps but have limited income. I went to P&C, Wegman’s and Big M and bought the exact same BRAND name items. When all was said and done, without coupons, I saved over $20 on my grocery bill going to Wegman’s. I went back the next month, to the same stores, purchasing the store brand of same products and saved just over $10 at Wegman’s. Recently, I have found that it is a little cheaper to buy my meats at Big M, since they are lower in price for what I want. I don’t spend $20 or even $10 in gas, so the savings for me is well worth it to shop Wegman’s, for grocery items. I can’t say everyone will have the same savings – we don’t all buy the same groceries – but I hear more people are happy that Wegman’s is cutting their prices in these hard economic times. Thank you Wegman’s.
I live in Rochester, NY (the home of Wegmans) and I miss Wegmans as much as any of you transplanted Rochesterians who’ve moved away. In the past few years, Wegmans has closed all but one of it’s smaller, older (ie, original) stores in the interest of opening larger and larger stores in exurbs throughout the mid-Atlantic. I bought my house based on it’s walking distance proximity to Wegmans, and the neighborhood has totally gone downhill since they left. I agree with the earlier poster, Becky, who said “great store to shop at, despicable business model”.
PAUL – DALLAS
PAUL – DALLAS
I purposely viewed this report to see if Wegmans was listed the best. Rochester is a tight nit community and a trip to Wegmans meant that you were bound to meet a friend or family member while shopping. In this city, a food store had to be good to succeed, considering the number of family owned bakeries and meat markets in this area. For a new Wegmans employee working part time turns out to be a life long career.
I moved to Dallas in the early 80s and travel to many cities over the years I have yet seen a store that matches Wegmans. In resent years, Market Street and Kroger have come close. Wegmans had the recipe for success from day one. The quantity, quality of the food, and their customer-oriented practices cannot be beat. I can only speak for the Rochester’s stores but I am sure they are all the same. If you get a chance, visit one of these stores during the week of a holiday. Plan on spending some extra shopping time. Once there you will forget about the shopping and get caught up in the atmosphere. HEY WEGMANS HOW ABOUT EXPANDING TO THE SOUTHWEST?
Wegmans is a great supermarket. The closest we have to a Wegmans is NC, but their selection of fresh fruit and vegetables is unmatched. Plus, they have a salad bar, etc. There butchers and meats are unmatched. And you can get a great sub there, as well as Chinese food to go, etc. It really is the best run Supermarket I have ever seen. Been to Food Lion and Alberstson’s, and am not impressed.
Oh, I should specify. All those smaller, older Wegmans stores that have closed are urban locations. So apparently, if you are poor, black, etc, your money isn’t good enough for Danny Wegman.
When I first discovered Wegmans, it was 2 1/2 hours away. Now I drive 1 hour to Wegmans. Love the store. I wish there was a closer one.
Wegmans is a great store, BUT there is something that they are lacking in, My daughter has Celiac disease and cannot have Gluten And I have begged Wegmans over and over for the past couple of years to carry more and better Gluten free product and to think about a Gluten free Bakery. There are many people in the our area that would benefit from it. 1 in every 100 people have celiac disease. But yet they continue to carry very little, the Dog cookie Isle is much bigger that the Gluten Free isle.
I went to school at Ithaca College. I miss Wegmans! It was/is by far the best grocery store I’ve ever been to. Unfortunately here in Miami we don’t have a Wegmans…though we do have Whole Foods and Publix, but they just aren’t the same. I wish there was a Wegmans down here.
I moved to northern arizona from Rochester, NY. Other than the fall foliage, Wegmans is the only thing I missed. Instead of getting everything at one store. I now have to go to a couple (sometimes 3) to get what I could find in an average wegmans store. Not to mentions in the bigger stores I would eat before shopping (good way to not over shop) Where else could you get subs, wings, pizza, salad bar, fresh deli and sushi to munch on before purusing the aisles….
Another Native Syracusian who moved and misses Wegmans desperately. About once a year I get to go back and I always make sure to stop at Wegmans and stock up. My Mom even buys stuff for me during the year and mails it too me. There are just soem things that are better there. I am really looking forward to my next trip back. We are finally moving the last of our stuff fromt eh east coast so an extra box filled with Wegmans staples should be easy to fit into the U-Haul :P
It is so funny to read all the comments about Wegmans! I will never live farther than 10 minutes away from that store, and I’m also a proud 13-year employee! It truly is a wonderful place to work and shop. I was sad to see it didn’t make the top 10 healthiest places just because it was small, but watch it, we’re growing! :) I’m a Wegg-head for life!!
Wegmans is my ABSOLUTE favorite grocery store. I rave about it and brag about it to friends and family. I was first introduced to Wegman’s while in college, in State College, PA. Fortunately enough I was delighted to learn there is also one in Fairfax, VA (walking distance to where I used to live).
It’s almost like Wegman’s swallowed Whole Foods. It has a Whole Foods-like section, the size of an entire Whole Foods store in addition to “regular” products on the other side of the store. Wegmans also brags an expansive International Foods section, fresh bakery, hot foods bar (pizza, subs, roasted chicken, chinese food, indian food), coffee cafe, sushi and seafood bar, chocolatier, florist, gourmet cheese section, exotic and imported tea section, wine cellar, kitchen decor and electronics section, etc, etc, etc.
If you don’t have a Wegmans near you, you need one. Trust me. I didn’t know I could become so obsessed over a grocery store. Once you have the privilage of shopping at Wegmans you will never want to shop anywhere else!
I live in Rochester NY and Wegman’s is one of the many great things about Rochester! Their selection in all catagories is amazing. No one compares to thier produce, deli, seafood, cheese shoppe and floral depts. If you haven’t been to their website you must! They have cooking school web classes taught by one of their chefs, yes they have a teat of chefs helping you create amazing dishes or prepare them for you. They also have a healthy culture within their business and treat their employees better than any other corp. They give out hundreds of scholarships to their employees every year and offer flexible schedules so thier employees may take classes. They are a family run company that treats you like family. I know that many local retailers look at Wegman’s as a business model. In Rochester you don’t go “grocery shopping” you go to Wegman’s.
If you have not experienced a Wegmans, you have not lived! It just doesn’t even compare to any other grocery store in Syracuse, NY. Ghetto Chopper? ick. P&C? no thanks. The stores are always immaculate, the employees actually know what they’re talking about, and the selection is amazing!
For those of you talking about it being expensive?? Do some comparison shopping!! I did and almost every item I bought was less than the other major stores in the area. The so-called “sales” at other stores are laughable. When they publish “buy one get one items”, the regular price at Wegmans is STILL cheaper! I will never sacrifice quality for price either. The produce and meat at these other stores are disgusting. The ground beef is brown, the chicken is slimy and the produce rots in half the time.
Whenever my friends come from Missouri our first stop is Weggos! There is nothing like it and I hope and pray they never go out of business!! I will never shop anywhere else!
Wegman’s is amazing and the food selection and freshness far exceeds Whole Foods. Their prices and selection of organic fruits is amazing. Also Wegman’s committment to labeling food for allergens far exceeds industry standards. All Wegman’s brand foods are clearly labeling on the package front with common dietery restirctions such as gluten free, lactose free, vegan. The Wegman’s opened in June near my house and as a Mom to a young daughter with Celiac (gluten free), I literally had tears in my eyes when I saw the amazing selection of gluten free products at Wegmans.
Rochester is Wegmans to me. Every time we visit upstate N.Y. we not only shop at Wegmans we eat there also. My wife grew up in Rochester and went to school with Danny Wegman and always mentioned what a great family they were and that Wegmans was the greatist store in the world. She was right.
I LOVE WEGMANS!!!!
My husband laughs at me. I refuse to shop anywhere else!. Shoprite and Pathmark are WAY more expensive for everday items. Of course, some meat’s and fish are more expensive. But the quality is far superior.
I love the “play area” . When my kids were little it was a life saver. No more trips to the grocery store with kids running all over the place. my son and daughters ASKED to go to the play area. They also did an awesome job at halloween of offering the kids an alternative to the “school dances” which are just nonsense for 1st graders. The kids went from station to station and got candy. Which they thought was very cool. They did’t have to pay for it!
I am very lucky to have 2 Wegmans in the Buffalo area near me. They are so much better than TOPS. The quality,prices and even the cashiers are WAY better than TOPS. I have had to return items to TOPS on several occasions but only once to Wegmans. The produce at TOPS isn’t fresh and thier milk usually doesn’t last till the expiration date. There are local stores here I sometimes shop but I am in Wegmans at least 2-3 times a week. I don’t know what I would do without Wegmans.
WHAT? Krogers isn’t on the list?! You don’t find healthier donuts anywhere!
I too am a native New Yorker (Rochester area) and miss Wegmans. I have lived in NC for almost 8 years and the stores here don’t hold a candle to Wegmans for freshness and choice of product. I try to hit one of the Wegman’s in the DC area everytime we visit our daughter in Arlington. Danny please come to North Carolina!!
Wegmans is the best, bar none. I am fortunate to live 1/2 mile from one in Williamsville. I can remember that October storm two years ago. The roads were basically shut down so my neighbor and I walked. We got there and it was like going to the airport on the busiest day of the year. The have a solid reputation. When we go to Florida, we shop at Publix. We always jest that it is like a poor cousin to Wegmans.
I am also a former Rochester resident who could spend hours in the Pittsford Wegman’s. As it was just down the road from my high school, we went there every day for healthy and gourmet lunch items. I now live in Colorado but when my boyfriend and I drove back to see my Mom last year, I immediately took him into Wegman’s!
Dear Mr. Danny Wegman – Do you see all of the comments on here from hundreds of people saying they’ve moved out of Western NY to up and down the East Coast? Please keep expanding…all I can hope for is one in Orlando, FL, but I know it might take you awhile to get down there because when you open a store you like to do it right and aren’t expanding like crazy. I currently live in L.A. (but will most likely be moving back to Orlando in the future) and I literally have to go to four different stores (Target, Whole Foods, Vons, and CVS) to get all of the things I used to be able to get in one Wegmans (especially Pittsford where the selection will blow your grocery-shopping mind!). I can’t wait to go home at Christmas and spend my money in the bulk section! I still haven’t found a bulk section like Weggies….
Thanks for being so awesome, but now I just get depressed when it’s time to buy groceries out here since I know it will cost me more time, money, and gas to shop.
Hands down the best store I have been in! If there is one ting most I miss about growing up in NY other than the weather its the food! Wegmans is the best shopping I have seen.
I grew up in Corning, NY. There is a smaller Wegmans there, and when I was in high school, I started working there. Now it’s 8 years later, and I live in Buffalo, NY. I am still working for the company on my trek to move up in management–something I never thought I would do. They offer such awesome incentives for all workers.
Not to mention, my store, as well as all the other Buffalo stores, see a lot of Canadian shoppers. I couldn’t tell you how many times Canadians tell me that one of the reasons they come is to shop at Wegmans.
My family in Southern Va is also delighted to finally see Wegmans come into their state.
I am not just saying this because I am an employee, but because Wegmans is truly the number one grocery store. I have been to several other chains, and was not impressed. Having the knowledge base of grocery retailing that I have, Wegmans truly offers more products at lower prices, and offers many services that are free to customers (i.e.-drive ups, meal coaching, etc). Know matter if I end up leaving the company as an employee in the future, I will NEVER leave the company as a customer.
When we were planning to move to Rochester NY two years ago, people started commenting about the wonderful world of Wegmans. I started to get a chip on my shoulder even before we moved here! I thought it was annoying how everyone raved about a grocery store. Cut to present, and I wouldn’t shop anywhere else! I have lived in Chicago, Florida, Wisconsin, and Detroit and had to rely heavily on both Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods to get the more varied and “exotic” items I needed . . . but the problem was that their store selections were so limited that I couldn’t always find the mainstream brand items I needed as well, which resulted in having to make multiple trips to multiple stores. Wegman’s is One Stop Shopping for me . . . by providing every type of food from exotic to mainstream all under one roof.
As to those who complain about the Wegman’s business model – It is a business and all businesses have to make money. If they don’t make money, they cannot continue to operate!!! So removing stores from urban neighborhoods has nothing to do with the people who live there or their bank balance! If those stores were not profitable, how could you expect Wegmans to keep them there?
I do agree with some of the people who said that the stores are noisy . . . the sound of grocery cart wheels rattling on brick floors does get loud, especially on the weekends and evenings when the stores are particularly packed.
Finally, I have to mention that since we have lived here, every friend or family member that comes to visit from across the U.S. has requested a visit to the much talked about Wegmans, and all have been impressed. My mother, an extreme “foodie” herself, requests a trip to Pittsford’s Wegman’s every time she comes out . . . it never ceases to amaze her.
No business is perfect, no grocery store is perfect, but in my opinion, having tried many others . . . Wegman’s is the closest they come!
I live in Florida where there are no Wegmans to be found, but every time I visit northern Virginia, the first thing I want to do is drive to Fairfax and shop at Wegmans. What an amazing store! None of the other supermarkets on your list can compare to them! Please Wegmans, come to Florida!!
It is amazing how many people are leaving the WNY area. Wegmans is an excellent chain but not enough to keep folks in the area. Wegmans continues to build about 4 stores a year. How do we get Wegmans to change their business model and triple the number of new stores each year? Maybe the goverment can give them money like the other businesses. If they did at least more people would be happy.
While I grew up in the small town of Wegman’s birthplace in Pittsford, NY, it was not the store then that it is now. For a megastore, it would be hard to beat. However, nothing comes close to beating the quality and prices of Trader Joe’s. I thrived on TJ’s while living in CA for a while. Unfortunately, I now live in the hinterlands of Western CO where there is neither store!
Another Rochesterian – this time hailing from Africa. The first place I plan to stop when I get back is Wegmans… good lord, I love that place. I’ve also been in school in Boston and no one there understands what a wonderful place Wegmans is.
Oh, how I love Wegman’s. I live less than a mile from Whole Foods, but I drive the 45 minutes to shop at Wegman’s. Nothing compares!
I live in Buffalo, NY and have shopped at Wegamns at of my adult life. My son also worked there during high school. He recently relocated to Atlanta, where there is a Publix store close to him. I asked him about Publix. His reply? “Mom, don’t get your hopes up. It’s not Wegmans”. ‘Nuff said!
I just HAD to comment as well. I’ve moved all over the country, and nothing compares to WEGMANS!! Miss it so much it IS a must-do whenever I get back to upstate New York. They can come down to Georgia ANYTIME!!
I live in NM……..but am originally from PA…where there is a Wegmans. “Health food” stores abound here in NM…….but nothing beats Wegmans. They are the best all the way around. Wish they would consider expanding out west!!
Wegmans owns. Period.
Can someone explain to me why Wegman’s hasn’t expanded into the NYC suburbs (particularly Long Island)? I know it’s expensive to build here, but Long Island sorely lacks stores like that. Pathmark and Waldbaums are terrible, and Stop & Shop and King Kullen are expensive. If they built on the Island, I’m pretty certain they’d make it huge. Considering a place like Fairway attracts a major amount of customers, I wonder what a place that puts them to shame would be like here.
Truly Wegman’s is the best. Whenever I go to Maryland Wegman’s is top of my list. I live in Woodstock, GA, and have Whole Foods and Publix which are great, but nothing beats Wegman.
Wow, I’m from Buffalo, NY and I guess I’m spoiled having two Wegmans near me! It’s the only place I shop!
I grew up in NF,NY and now live in West Virginia – oh how I miss Wegmans. All we have is Foodland & Krogers & Walmart. They are not well stocked & the variety is so disappointing. Come on down here to Charleston, WV. We’d love it!
We used to live in NY and when we went camping in upstate NY we would always go to Wegman’s and stock up. We are currently retired and living in Las Vegas…we love it here, but wish the Wegman’s would consider building a store here…it’s the only thing missing in this ‘”almost perfect” environment!!
Grew up in Buffalo, and LOVE AND MISS WEGMAN’S. We need one in the Carolinas. I miss Chip Dip, Webers Mustard, Margaritta Pepperoni, Spunge Candy, Beef on Weck, and all the fresh made gourmet salads at Wegman’s. These others just don’t compare. There more like going to a farmers market than a grocery store!
I spent the majority of my 23 year years in Buffalo, N.Y., and I grew up with not 1, but 2 Wegmans of equal distance from my parents house! Now living in DC, I throughly enjoy Whole Food, and Harris Teeter just as much… But at the end of a hard day, nothing compares to the Sub Shop, Sushi, Asian Buffet, and Salad/Fruit Bar! There is something about Wegmans that makes people from WNY jump for joy! :)
I lived in Buffalo for 25 years before moving out to New Mexico, and I can tell you that Wegmans is a luxury that I miss dearly. I still have several friends that live in Buffalo, and I am so jealous whenever they talk about Wegmans. It is the only grocery store that can actually make people look forward to grocery shopping. Not only can you get groceries, but you can get prescriptions, do your dry cleaning, rent a movie, grab a coffee, drop off your children at W-kids while you shop, and develop your pictures. Wegmans, PLEASE come to Albuquerque!!!!
Wegmans is the best. I’ve lived in South Carolina for 13 years now and am originally from Rochester and miss Wegmans. Piggly Wiggly is nice but still not a Wegmans. When I go home I stop in the store in Irondequoit and get as much as I can to bring back home with me. When are we going to get a Wegmans in the Myrtle Beach area. You have a lot of fans in this area.
Wegmans expands very slowly and carefully. The only new market that Wegmans is planning to move into is Boston; they’ll be opening a new store in Westwood, MA in 2010. Here in southeastern Pennsylvania, Wegmans not only has great stores but significantly lower prices than other chains such as Acme and Genuardis.
I grew up in Roch, NY, and never thought much about Wegman’s-even made fun of them because I didn’t understand all of the fuss-until I moved to Albany, NY-capitol of lousy grocery stores!! Hannaford’s & Price Chopper were the reigning “kings,” and their stores were filthy, expensive versions of groceries circa the 1950’s, as far as I was concerned.
We recently moved to Portland, Maine-headquarters for Hannaford’s-what a huge disappointment!! I have no idea why Hannaford’s made that “healthiest” list. While slightly cleaner than their Albany counterparts, Hannaford’s stores in the Portland, ME area are very overpriced, and their selection is pitiful compared with Wegman’s.
And if you think Weg’s organic/specialty items are pricey (I used to believe the same), you clearly haven’t experienced much of the other stores out there! In particular, Hannaford’s, Price Choppers, and Whole Foods.
Also, if you feel you received lousy customer service at Weg’s, you likely have never experienced Hannaford’s brand of c.s.! Consistently rude, unhappy, condescending people. When politely approached about a particular issue, one Hannaford employee told me that she knew WHY there was a problem, but she didn’t have to tell me & wasn’t going to either!! I’ve never been talked to like that by a Wegman’s employee.
I’ve even had to bag my own groceries on several occasions at Hannaford’s (how about a discount?!?), and I find that oftentimes the items they are selling on the shelves are either outdated, or soon to be (especially in Albany, NY)! Only Wegman’s seems to have the correct set-up for bagging groceries, enabling the cashier to both ring up & bag purchases efficiently, easily and quickly. I’ve travelled all over the U.S. and NO one comes close to Wegman’s!!
We have Whole Foods here which is very nice, but I’d still take Wegman’s any day. Please come to Northern New England, Danny Wegman!! Maybe I’ll be travelling to MA for my groceries in 2010…
I came to live in the Rochester NY area via Maryland and Virginia. When living “Down South,” I always found grocery shopping quite boring with Food Lion and Giant. Imagine my awe when I relocated to Rochester and took my first step into the Super Wegmans in Pittsford Plaza! The array of FRESH, LOCAL produce was astounding, especially to someone who regularly comments on how much I hate fruits and vegetables! I have since become a faithful Wegman’s shopper, even though the 5 closest stores are each about a 1/2 hour drive from my house. I gladly make the drive at least once a week to stock up on produce, deli, bakery, and health food. All of the employees truley seem to enjoy their work and are always very pleasant. GREAT JOB WEGMANS!!!
Yes..I heard we are getting this awesome health food store in our town..cant wait for it to open. RAVE REVIEWS!! GO WESTPORT CONNECTICUT!!!
After reading so many posts about people missing Wegmans in their new locations, I have come to a conclusion. As I quickly approach retirement age – I am a long time (40+ years) employee in Rochester, NY – I can see that high in my list of criteria for a warmer, retirement location will be the proximity to a Wegmans. I will probably have to forego a truly warm climate for this but it will be worth it. (A coworker from Latvia always pronounced it Vegmahns. ;-) )
I’ve lived in Manhattan & DC, & Charlotte-didn’t like it so much really at all.
Wegmans Pittsford NY store,above all others, is an absolute eye popper…It’s a 1st rate table service gourmet restaurant worthy of Manhattan..”Tastings”.
A Tea Barrista & Tea Bar! Certified cosmeticians with a department selling fine skincare products found in Bergdorfs! A Marketplace Cafe with every sort of luscious food you can imagine. Endlessly fascinating. Glad to see their expansion is moving north & east into Boston…although my Westchester & Long Island friends are dying for a Wegmans…They are going slowly & keeping their quality HIGH & I admire them for that. Can’t really see them going south soon as they don’t have the distribution center for it & muust first back fill in the areas they’re already in! I’d give a Nordstrom & a Neimans for ONE WEGMANS!!!!!!!!!!!