100 fun facts about Wegmans' 100th anniversary (2024)

• Wegmans sets itself apart in so many ways. Here’s 100 to celebrate grocer’s 100th.

When Wegmans Food Markets opens a new store there's always a flood of foot traffic with sometimes as many as 2,000 people waiting outside.

Some are former Rochester-area residents who have relocated. Others simply caught the buzz about the locally headquartered grocery store chain coming to their area.

But all are waiting not only to fill their shopping carts and spend their money but to experience how the company works to set itself apart. To celebrate the grocer's 100th anniversary, here are 100 ways of Wegmans:

FOOD

1. Free Samples: Workers are always handing out free samples, especially ofWegmans' products. Who can forget all that free cake on Jan. 30 to celebrate its 100th anniversary?

2. Wegmans labels: Lots of Wegmans labels at prices less than many name brands.

3. Local farmers: The grocery storerelies on nearly150 produce growers in New York state and almost 615 chain-wide. The totals donot include dairy farmers and cheese producers.

4. Organic farm: Wegmans has its own organic farm in Canandaigua, Ontario County.

5. Organic products: There are about 3,000 such products offered.

6. Ample varieties: Stores have anywhere from 50,000 to 70,000 products.

7. Donation:The grocer donated about 13.5 million pounds of food to food banks last year.

8. Produce:"I love their produce," saidCharlie Ricker, a shopper from Greece."It's always fresh, and they purchase from local farmers, which helps the local economy."

► Food family and more: An interview with the Wegmans

SOME FAMILIAR NAMES

9. Zweigle's: Red or white hot dog? Take your pick. Both are available.

10. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que sauce: It’s Dinosaur. Need we say more?

11. New York Chips: New item from Marquart Farms in Wyoming County located at most stores in New York state.

12. Dollop Gourmet Frosting: Heather Saffer turned her local cupcake business into a frosting business with products available at many local stores.

13. Apparel: Shirts, hoodies and hats of the local towns and high schools can be found in many stores.

14. Beer: The beer list continues togrowand includes an endless numberof local brands and craft breweries throughout the state.

15. Atmosphere:"Wegmans offers the best quality selection, by far the best customer service, is always improving, but I absolutely love their commitment to their employees and their community," saidJoe Chenelly, a shopper fromFairport. "They give back like no other."

► How Wegmans helped us eat our veggies

WHAT OUTSIDERS DON'T KNOW

16. Headquarters: The mailing addressmightsay Rochester but we know that the chain's headquarters are located at1500 Brooks Ave. in the town of Gates.

17. No apostrophe: They haven't used it since 1931, and adding it would costmore than $500,000.

18. Chris Christie: New Jersey governor spent $76,373 in 53 runs to Wegmans during his first five years in office.

19. Wegmans … The Musical: It's a thing. Students from Algonquin Regional High School in Northborough, Massachusetts, pulled it off on May 10, 2012. See more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvGuI67GcjQ.

20. The Rooster:Hear theclucksat the East Avenue store.

21. Danny’s wardrobe:The company CEO's jackets are bright and colorful, creative and often bold. He even pulled out a western fringe style for a commercial on Wegmans organic farm. Did he think we wouldn't notice?

22. 2015 Ferrari SP America: The sporty two-door was spotted withDanny Wegmanbehind the wheel at the Pittsford store in 2014.The grocer continues to turn back questionsabout the ride.

23. Food Network stars: Wegmans has hosted celebrity chefs includingAnne Burrell, Paula Dean, Bobby Flay, Carla Hall and many others.

24. David Bouley: The acclaimed chef has worked with Wegmans on many projects. Apparently he is close to CEO Danny Wegman, who was Bouley’s best man athis 2006 wedding in Loire Valley, France.

25. Santa Claus: You never know who you’ll run into, like the man in atailored blue Italian suit who paid for people's groceries on Christmas Eve at the East Avenue store.

26. Alec and his mom: Actor AlecBaldwin told David Letterman that his mom wouldn't move from central New Yorkbecause she couldn't "leave Wegmans."Alec and his mom later starred in a commercial for Wegmans. Link: https://youtu.be/Xrtl-9_cw-U.

27. "The Office"and Wegmans: In a 2007 episode, Michael Scottsharedhow he favors Wegmans-brand raisin bran cereal and the grocer's soy milk over others. Other Wegmans items, including its WPOP soda, were sprinkled through the office of Dunder Mifflin, the show's fictional paper company.

28. Sweet memories:"When I come back to visit Rochester, I always make a point to (stop) by and look around. It brings back some amazing memories and Wegmans will always have a place in my heart," said Bret Sansone, a former Irondequoit resident now living in San Antonio, Texas.

► Robert Wegman: 'More than just a meat cutter'

KIDFRIENDLY

29. Cookie club: Young children can get a free cookie to chomp down on while parents cruise the store.

30. Fun center: The WKids Play Center provides a supervised in-store play area for kids while adults shop.

31. Holiday parties: Kids can trick-or-treat inside some stores and then party in costumeduring a Halloween party. Other events include breakfast with Santa andthe Easter Bunny, along with special events for Mother's Day and Father's Day.

32. Super Kids Market: Kids can pretend to shop, load up their carts and then run through a check-out line inan area at The Strong museum.

33. Wonderplace: Wegmans spent $1.5 million to help open a 1,700-square-foot displaycalled Wegmans Wonderplace at Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., last December.

34. Shopping carts for two: Some carts have mini steering wheels so the kids can pretend to zip around as shoppers zip through the store.

35.Cooking lessons: Classes aren't just for adults. They're $7 a visit for a childand parent with a Shoppers Club card, $10 without.Ages 4 and older.

36. Lobster tank: Kids seemto get a kick out of seeing large lobsters in the seafood section.

37. Stepping aside:"Once while shopping at the East Avenue location, (Danny Wegman) was giving a talk to a small group of staff. I needed to get to the organic meat section, but didn't want to interrupt. He immediatelynoticed, paused and said, 'Don't let us get in your way,'"said Amanda DeFisher, a shopper from Rochester.

► Timeline: The evolution of Wegmans

CUSTOMER SERVICE

38. Exact amount? If you pay with a debit card, you'll get asked if you want extra cash in return.

39. You'll get carded too: They ask for ID even if you're balding and 40-something. Roll with it, you'll feel younger.

40. Every day you get ourbest: It is their motto.

41. Personal shopping service: Order online and pick up your groceries curbside. Thepilot service is offered at its Pittsford and Bridgewater, New Jersey, stores withno timetable for expansion. A four-hour minimum lead time is required. There is a $5.95 flat fee and a per-item charge.

42. Helping Hands: Workers are ready to help bringgroceries to your vehicle.

43. If it rains: Customers can borrow an umbrella at stores.

44. Wet wipes: Taking back all those recyclable bottles? Sanitizer and wet wipes are located nearby to eliminate the stickiness.

45. The hub for service: Those needing stamps, returning items or with other questions can go to the customer service desk.

46. Reserved parking: Expectant mothers and those with small children have specially marked spaces at most stores.

47. Open 24 hours:All Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse and Pennsylvania stores are open 24 hours except for Geneva and Wilkes-Barre. Stores in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and Massachusetts are open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. Stores doclosefor some holidays.

48. Service animals: They are allowed, pets are not.

49. Speaking a second language: About 400 employeesin the Rochester-area are confident in their abilities to speak to customers in asecond language. They are identified as such on their name tags. Employees speak about 50 languages company wide.

50. They love you for who you are:"Every Sunday their employees welcome my son with autism by name, happily greeting him, hugging him, showing him new foods to try and generally makinghim feel welcome and included," saidJerri Lynn Sparks, a shopper from Churchville. "So many judge my son's quirks but Wegmans embraces him."

► Customers share special moments

EMPLOYEES

51.Pleasant guy: Pittsford store employeeJohn Roberson has taught Colleen Wegmanand several othershow to trim fish. He still has a fish hook that he pulled out of a cod a couple years ago in his cap and he wars his nickname, "Smilin' " on his nametag.

52. Great place to work:Fortune has consistently ranked Wegmans as one of its "100 Best Companies to Work For." The grocerwas No. 1 in 2005, and landed at No. 7 on the list a year ago.

53. Caring, respect,empowerment, high standards and making a difference: Foundational values set by the companyand what it looks for in new employees.

54. "Happy": Employees at the Hunt Valley, Maryland, store danced and lip synced to Pharrell Williams hit "Happy." See some of their moves athttps://youtu.be/MAyuGtca1CE.

55. Song and dance: Wegmans employees and brands can be spotted dancing to "Celebration"by Kool & The Gang and the Internet meme Harlem Shake (https://youtu.be/f4KxoDH1LjU).

56. Recognized for doing well by employees: Wegmans has received awards for employing and supporting working moms, older adults, those with Down syndrome and implementing programs to advance diversity in the workplace.

57. Related: Roughly 30 percent of Wegmans employees have at least one family member who also works at the company.

58.Christmas with Danny: Around the holidays the Wegmans CEO visits several of the local stores.

59. The range: Wegmans estimates on averagethat anywhere from 400 to500 people are employed ateach store.

60. Big number:The grocer employs about 45,000 people.

61. Scholarships:Wegmans has awarded $100 million in scholarships to 32,000 employees since 1984.

62. Share the love: Shoppers are encouraged to call (800) Wegmans to share stories on helpful employees.

63. They're family:"My son works at the Perinton Wegmans, and recentlyhis grandfather passed away," saidDavid Scott, a shopper fromPerinton."He took some days off for funeral and Shiva. When they found out why he had taken time off, Wegmans provided his mother and him with a full prepared meal andmade a donation to the charity named in his grandfather's obituary. That's wayabove and beyond."

► What working at Wegmans is like

OTHER THINGS YOU'LL FIND

64. Meat & seafood: Fresh cuts of fish and meat are availabledaily.

65. Cheese shop: Brie, cheddar, feta, goat, gouda, Italian and Swiss just to name a few.

66. Bakery: Cookies, cakes, doughnuts and more.

67. Produce: It's often said that items are so fresh due to constant turnover.

68.Pharmacy: J.D. Power gave the grocery storeits highest score in a national survey released last summer.

69. Nature's Marketplace: Think vegetarian and organic.

70. Bulk Foods: Chocolate covered pretzels and more. Kids get a kick out of a toy train usually running above this area on an elevated track.

71. Amore: Italian restaurant and wine bar at the East Avenue store.

72. Next Door: Specializes in sushi and other fine dining meals. Located at 3220 Monroe Ave.

73. The Pub: A newer in-store restaurant concept offering craft beers, burgers and live local music. The first is coming to the Perinton store in March. There are six in Pennsylvania and one in Williamsville, Erie County.

74. The Burger Bar: The name says it all. Currently located in Pittsford, Canandaigua and two Maryland stores.

75. Market Café: A sort of catch-all type of dining experience with an open-seating areaoffering everything from prepared foods,soups, subs and salads to an Asian bar, gourmet pizza and much more. The first opened in Corning in 1992.

76. And more:Other areas inside its storesincludedeli, frozen foods, household items, a floral shop, health and beauty, bath and body, magazines, greeting cards, seasonal item sectionsand more.

77. They do it all:"Wegmans is always willing to go above and beyond .... always looking ahead which is shown through their product offerings; friendly, helpful staff; cleanliness; attention to detail; freshness of fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish and meat; well-done catering services; variety of product offerings, yes, including their own; efficiency for checking out; reasonable, convenient parking; helping hands; drive-in pick-up,"saidMary Lewis Consler, a shopper from Pittsford."I have shopped at the Pittsford Wegmans for over 40 years! A true fan!"

► Wegmans beyond New York

TECHNOLOGY

78. Wegmans app: Order a prescription, organize shopping lists and search local stores on an app available for iOS and Android devices.

79. Mobile pay: Add Shoppers Club card to Apple Wallet and pay using your iOS device.

80. Self-checkouts: Customers can scan and bag their own groceries.

81. Hearing loops: Hearing assistance systems are being installed to help deaf and hearing-impaired customers.

82. Catch a buzz: Go shop while waiting for your prescription to get filled. An employee will buzz you with a remote pager.

83. Online ordering: Catering orders can be made at catering.wegmans.com.

84. Computer chips: New chip technology is coming to protect against fraudulent purchases.

85. YouTube: Watch a video on howto make a meal.

86. Twitter: Get store updates, ask questions and get answers.

87. Facebook: Roughly 315,000 people follow Wegmans on Facebook;visitors to the page have given the store an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

88. Website: Get all the info on the store, including food items for those with special dietary needs.

89.Electronic coupons? They are exploring mobile coupons with a possiblelaunch date expected later in 2016.

90. Patience: "What I like about the company is that they continually 'plant seeds,' "saidMatt McDermott, a shopper from Rochester. "They're willing totinker with and see whatmight work as part of their business model. We don't usually see this type of patience in publiclyheld companies because they seem to have too short a time horizon."

STORES

91. Consumer Reports: The publication ranked Wegmans No. 1 last year on its annual ranking of supermarkets.

92. The beginning: The company was founded in 1916.

93. Footprint: The grocer currently operates in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland and Massachusetts. It has plans to expand into a seventh state, North Carolina.

94. Growing:There are currently 88 stores with 14 more in the works. There will be 92 stores by the end of 2016.

95. Size:Wegmans' largest store, located in DeWitt, Onondaga County, is 139,862 square feet.The smallest store is on Fairport Road at52,910 square feet.

96. Sales:The company had $7.9 billion in sales in 2015.

97.Big and small: "I appreciate that as they have grown and become stores rivaling the size of places like Walmart, they have continued to feel like a grocer that is somewhat small and community based (if only in culture/mindset)," saidJohn Magnus Champlin, a shopper from Rochester."I had a guest in from out of town and referred to Wegmans as 'The biggest little corner store you'll ever see.' "

98. Patriarch: Robert B. Wegman died on April 20, 2006. He was 87. His portrait is found in stores.

99. Build it here: Slightly more than 4,000 people contacted Wegmans last year asking for a store in their community. Requests came from 48 states,the District of Columbia and Ontario, Canada. South Dakota and Mississippi are the only states that didn't ask for a store.

100. The final word:"One of the reasons why I love Wegmans — it's not just that they have outstanding customer service, it's that no matter how large and corporate and widespread they’ve become, it often still feels like a small-town grocery store," said Tate DeCaro, a shopper from Rochester.