Photo by Stacie Joy
A scene from the opening day at Wegmans on Astor Place... the grocer's first Manhattan outpost. (More background here and here.)
The store opened at 9 a.m. Per EVG reader Jeanne Krier: "The line, at 8:30, snaked up the block, around the corner and halfway down 9th. There was cheering, applause, selfies, videos, smiles all around."
32 comments:
That’s right today is 1018, the opening day for Wegmans 1018 was also the name of a popular dance club back in the 80’s. Just a little trip back down memory lane for people in my age group.
Really sick that these sheep freaks wait in a line that "snaked up the block" for a grocery store. Just sick.
Gee, this is pretty sparse coverage of opening day, after EVG (and I) obsessed over it for months. How about a review, before I plan my weekend?
*Yawn* Who cares. I don't get the appeal and every media outlet in the city covered this like little piggies at the trough.
How about you go yourself?
Because it’s the companies first NY store? Because it’s a grocery store opening in a long vacant space? And “little piggies at the trough?” Really? Lighten up Mr. Cranky pants…
god i love wegmans. i can see Key Fooders are in the comments
I remember boycotting a newly arrived Gap on St Marks and 2nd... O how the mighty have fallen... Viva the Church of Stop Shopping!
Anonymous 9:55 here again. I DO plan to go myself, this weekend, as I no longer live in the neighborhood. But it doesn't seem out of line to ask for a little review of opening day, considering how much ink EVG devoted to the buildup.
Not to be the designated Wegmans cheerleader, but they are a family-run company with a solid track record of generosity toward the communities where their stores are located. Contribute tens of millions to food banks and educational programs each year. Show up on everyone's list of Best Places to Work, which is impressive for a grocery chain. And employees who take entry-level jobs, are given opportunities to learn new skills and move up.
Self-checkouts are so cold.
Don't want to start off all negative but "piggies at the trough" is not far off the mark in my view. Having said that the overall shopping experiences was rather pleasant as that is the whole point of opening a massive store like this. It's a lovely interior, warm soothing colors, dimmed lighting, and plenty of elbow to boot. But the vibe was like the second coming of Jesus Christ for a product that is just middling at best. Prepared food was mostly $25/ lb for, say, two cents worth of broccoli in a gold frigging box. Ridiculous. If you're into lots and lots of sugary, starchy doughnuts and baked goods there were tons of it not far from the entrance. At 8 bucks the whole grain bread seemed overpriced as there is a similar loaf at TJs for around $3.50. Down in the basement (it's huge) people were freaking out at the cheese counters trying procure some free samples. The products I tried were ok but nothing terribly special. Less expensive than Eatily on 23 St but not as good. I bought a bunch of stuff to take home and don't want to sound too sniffy but the Citterio sliced hot Capocollo was absolute rubbery, flavorless garbage. The quality of rest of the stuff I tried was nothing like what you can get at a market in Paris or Italy. On the positive side there were some bargains like Butternut squash for $1.19/lb. (peel, cube, pan sauté, add a touch of curry, cinnamon, brown sugar). The Bros are going to love this place as there was an excellent selection of craft brews and imported 12 pack bottles of Becks were very reasonably priced at $17.99. The very friendly staff were also imported, from Rochester. Did not check the rest of the basement's packaged goods but looks like they had everything you need or could want to prepare your own meals. Self-service checkout was quick as I'm sure marketing figured out people hate long lines. It's like anyplace in that you've got to shop around but don't expect super high quality stuff.
I am here just for the comments. Keep them coming :)
I loved 1018! lets all celebrate a family owned business in the hood and cool out on the mud slinging. Eataly is opening on Lafayette soon and go to DiPaolos for sublime cured meat bruh... duh. :)
We just can't imagine who is going to buy ALL that prepared food!?!!
The sprawling street level is nothing but display case after display case of ready to eat prepared food. It's sort of like a food court but without the tables and counters.
Opening day was a fun scene and we wish them well, but...
My neighbor visited yesterday. She said it is a beautiful store and that the selection of prepared food was incredible albeit overwhelming. It is my hope that any unused or soon to be expired food is donated to charity or the homeless. Many local NYC businesses partner with organizations and community groups to facilitate these transactions. I worked in food service & cafes as management, a server, and a barista for a number of years. Most products are only permitted for sale to the public under a specific window of time, which then is thrown in the trash bin. Most have some type of arrangement in not wasting any items. Otherwise, I am happy for this new addition to our neighborhood. Welcome, Wegmens.
Thanks, XTC that’s just the kind of review I’ve been looking for. Wonder if the Rochesterians working there got rent subsidies.
I have been waiting with anticipation and finally went today. My main observation is that it’s very very expensive . As was said before as expensive or near as expensive as Eataly or Citarella but nowhere even remotely close to the same quality. The quality is standard high end suburban. It reminded me of Stew Leonard’s but more expensive and less quality. Kind of like Publix in Miami. The prepared cooked food was about $15 a container. The uncooked prepared foods was more reasonable at about $10 a container. The cheeses and the charcuterie seemed low quality. The prepackaged sushi seamed a good price at about the same price as Whole Foods but more quantity in the container and better price. The deserts I will go back for. They also have all of those frozen pizzas as other frozen foods found in the suburban supermarkets that are not usually found in Manhattan.
Also I found the dim lighting and the lack of any windows or natural light stifling. In that regard and also because of the massive crowds it reminded me of a dimly lit with dreary beige walled version of IKEA.
Life begins today
Some good reviews in the comments. Harsh but fair. Wegmans has their fans but they also have their work cut out for them, trying to make it in the heart of city with no shortage of food options. For instance things like charcuterie, sushi... the standards here are high.
I just arrived home after visiting. I like it, but it was very packed as one can imagine. It actually reminded me of Terminal 5 at JFK. I've never visited upstate nor have I lived in the suburbs. But I can see why this store is appealing to many who are from there. I found the upstairs with the prepared provisions to be pricey, yet I was impressed with the sushi and baked goods selection. There is something for everyone. Downstairs was massive with everyday grocery items. Perhaps I'll return when the buzz of this opening slows down a bit. After fifteen minutes, I got overwhelmed and left. Overall, it's a good addition to the EV.
Do they have the famous Wegmans bulk section?
this blog has hyped Wegmans for more than a year, and then we only get one photo once it opens? Come on, let's see more! I often wonder how much food waste is generated at these big stores? Does anyone know what the typical % of food thrown away each night? I assume they build the waste into the high prices.
I am among those who's interested in knowing what Wegman's *does* actually do with their unsold food.
This new location is enormous, esp. by Manhattan standards, and NYC has no shortage of people who have food insecurity. Is Wegman's management aware, and if so, is their management DOING anything?
IMO, if you're going to have such a big footprint in our community, you also have to be ready to do the right thing here.
My boyfriend and I made it less than ten minutes before he started having a very serious anxiety attack. Poor guy. We were both overwhelmed with the amount of people in this space. Luckily he popped a pill, but it takes time to kick in. We left our items in the basket and made it to the exit only to be bombarded with a lot of people. It had me wondering about if they should limit how many can enter at a time. It worked well during the pandemic to ensure it wasn't overcrowded. Just a thought. I'll have to return without my bf next time.
"Do they have the famous Wegmans bulk section?"
It ain't what it used to be. I usually shop at the Dickson City, PA store, and ever since the pandemic the bulk section and the olive bar have greatly changed. Everything is prepackaged and you can't pick and chose your own quantities. Which sucks. Wegmans olive bar olives are really good though, great variety and not overly salty, they're my favorite olives.
So glad to now have this Wegmans on my commute home! I stopped in to test the waters last night. In the downstairs grocery area there are bargains to be had -- in general prices seemed to be higher than C Town but lower than Key Foods, and selection of brands outside their own is good. Staff was extremely pleasant and helpful. I'm not interested in prepared foods, so I wish there was a way to get downstairs and then check out without going through the huge crowds upstairs. Hoping movement will be easier (and less panic-inducing) when the opening crowds have eased.
It is an impressive store. Lots of great finds. Love their fish and cheese selection. The staff was professional and approachable. I can't believe they are now here in our hood. It took awhile, but here we are. I will wait for a few weeks for the crowds to dissipate a bit before I return though. It was insanely overcrowded. I even spotted two celebrities shopping. NYC is a fishbowl of sorts.
Do tell. Which celebrities?
Digging into my haul. The Wegmans house brand 4 cheese thin crust pizza is a winner. Much better than the Trader Joe’s equivalent.
Someone asked about the app, and coupons. They do take coupons, even at self-checkout, and they have a good app with digital coupons too.
Finally made it there today, Nov 1, 2023, around 2pm on a Wednesday. I really don't get the hype. It was bustling, lots of lookers, but the the checkout line was not busy. The prepared food is VERY over-priced; more expensive than Whole Foods, Citarella, and Union Market. Asparagus with butter was $7.00 for 8 spears. A very small portion of pulled pork was almost $9.00. Two grilled chicken breasts with lemon garlic were $17.42. The self-serve cookies in the bakery area were $14.99 a pound vs. $12.99lb at Whole Foods. These prices are not friendly for the average person/family. Its nice to have choices in the hood; maybe I'll go a few times a year, but not on a weekly basis.
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