You asked for it, they answered. Thanks to thousands of emails, social media messages, and a fan-made Facebook page, Wegmans is officially opening its first Charlotte-area location on Wednesday, Oct. 14.

Editor Maria, here. I recently toured the new store ahead of opening day — and yes, it’s massive.

Editor Maria standing in front of a brick store under construction with a construction vest and white hard hat. — I had to don a hard hat and vest for this exclusive tour. | Photo by CLTtoday

Unique features

At more than 100,000 sqft, the family-owned grocer will offer fresh produce from local farms, bakery items, meat + seafood, grab-and-go meals, and more.

The Ballantyne location will also feature interactive “pods,” where shoppers can watch employees prepare sushi, burgers, and fresh cheeses in real time. I'm excited for "cookie land," a section with up to 50 different types of cookies.

"A lot of our cheeses come from all over the world, but we also have cheese caves in Rochester where a lot of our cheese comes from," Marcie Rivera, Wegmans' Sr. Public Relations Coordinator, told CLTtoday.

A rotating image of a playground under construction with a fence, and a rendering of a playground in sunset at a store. — The playground is anticipated to have a small slide and green space. | Photo by CLTtoday + rendering via Wegmans

It’s also among the first Wegmans stores to include a dine-in grill, plus indoor + outdoor seating and a playground for families.

"This is going to be an option for our customers to order through our QR code, watch our team cook, and dine in our store," explained Wegmans' Merchandising Area Manager CJ Bolorin.

A store interior with metal scaffolding and columns under construction. — Once complete, this area will provide fresh sushi to hungry shoppers. | Photo by CLTtoday

Working with the community

Before construction began in October 2024, Wegmans leaders said they received overwhelming feedback from Charlotte shoppers eager for the grocery chain to expand here.

"People sent us emails, and thousands of Facebook messages specifically for Charlotte," said Rivera. Well done, Charlotte.

Now, crews are sawing, hammering, and drilling to get the store across the finish line before its fall debut.

The store is expected to employ about 450 full- and part-time workers. Ahead of opening, leadership teams also plan to meet with local groups to help ensure the store reflects the Charlotte community.