After slowly watching DePiero's farm flattened to nothing, I was resentful of what was going to be popping up in its place. My kids observed the orchard trees being knocked down and we had lengthy conversations about farming and supporting our farmers. It was heartbreaking, to be honest, and it took quite awhile to come around to the idea of a strip mall going up instead.
Over the months of construction it was becoming clear that the essence of farming was going to be preserved. Once the signs came up we started to look into this phenomenon that is Wegman's and has been "a thing" in upstate New York. On opening day, I will admit I was a bit excited and hopeful.
Little did I know just how much my family and I would fall in love with this place. It had everything that we enjoy shopping for. The staff is friendly and helpful, and look like they actually enjoy their jobs.
The place is always immaculate and no detail was left undone. The flow and design of product placement along with grouping makes it easy to find everything you need to make the perfect pot roast along with the crockpot to cook it in. They are constantly regrouping to keep up with the holidays and events, which I especially appreciate as a busy mom of four boys. Who has time to search up and down every aisle just to get everything you need for Easter Sunday? or the basics for a tuna sandwich or BBQ?
It's also very convenient that the wine is connected to the store. It really makes for a one-stop shop. Their Family Value bargains make it so that we don't even have to go to BJ's anymore for bulk items such as water and basic staples. It's been painful to step inside Acme again; it smells like bad seafood and very dated from the second you walk in.
One of the coolest parts of this store is their app that you can download. Our family can share the grocery list so the hubby can't say he can't find a certain brand of edamame that I need, I can add it to the list in real time as he's shopping and he can instantly see it AND it will tell what aisle to find it in. Awesome! It also adds up your entire list so you can easily see what your bill is going to be, so if I send my college kid to the store, I know how much money to give him and how much change I'll get back-- which is very useful if you operate on a budget.
They also have the coolest Cookie and pastry bar, which my family loves. Also, their Hot Bar which serves up chefs specials, Asian, vegan, American, cold foods, antipasti, gluten-free, and salad options. Our family is not vegan or gluten-free, but as a nutritionist, they carry a plethora of options for those on special diets and take great care in how they display them in regards to other foods. This gets an A++.
I love their business model as well, they seem to treat their employees fairly and their farming methods and contributions to the community are also worthy of applause. They are a big company, but it seems well managed and I do not get the corporate feel...ever.
What can I say, our family is obsessed with this place! But don't forget to support your local farms and get seeds and seasonal produce from the original DePieros located on summit road. They are kind and humble and still have the best produce prices in most cases. I still visit to get my seedlings and starters plantings, house plants, and forage for seasonal fruits and veggies. read more