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Just Sayin’: The Wegmans Countdown
- May 16, 2011
- on 5/16/2011
- MoJo: Lori Rypka
Courtesy Photo
Courtesy Photo
I heart Wegmans. A lot.
Anyone I have known who has shared in the joy that is Wegmans talks about it like it’s the holy grail of all grocery stores. I mean, who gets THAT excited about a grocery store?
Wegmans fanatics, that’s who. And in just a few short weeks, I suspect neighbors will be sharing their stories with each other, friends will see it as a meeting place, and folks all around will be referring to the store as a place to grab breakfast, lunch, dinner or a coffee.
For those who have not been to a Wegmans, it is, in two words, an experience.
Trust me, I never in my 29 (OK, 30-something) years ever thought I would put a grocery store on a pedestal. Let me take you back to my first visit to the Wegmans near Baltimore. My cousin had lived about 20 minutes from the store and had talked it up to me much like I am talking it up to you.
We drove up, circled around a bit to find a spot because, after all, it was lunchtime and the lot was packed. I couldn’t understand why people were so wackadoo about this place.
I entered the sliding doors, and I swear an angelic chorus belted out the loudest “Alleluia” in my head. I was in food overload and I hadn’t even walked 20 feet into the doors. Fresh food bars to my right, coffee and smoothie bars to my left, ahead I saw the most amazing display of artisan breads. Produce as far as the eye can see, and it was more than the usuals seen at any grocery store. I bought a huge bag of champagne grape simply because I had never seen them sold anywhere else before.
After we went to the upper floor to eat lunch, we grabbed carts and winded around through the seemingly endless aisles. My cousin assured me that even their generic brand was great. There were products for all price points. It was a high-end experience without a high-end pricetag.
I was hooked. However, being an hour away made it a bit of a pain to get to. I waited patiently for news that it would come here. Even when I learned that they opened a site in Leesburg, that was still too far for me. One friend of mine is happy to make the trip … she loads her car up every time she goes.
So here we are, on the brink of the Wegmans revolution in Frederick. I wish I could be there on opening day, but I have a very important family obligation – just about the only thing that would keep me away.
I’ll be there the next day – I can promise you that. I’m sorry in advance if I run into you with my cart. Odds are I’m going to be lost in the moment. If it happens, I’ll treat you to a coffee from the bar.
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