Being from California means that I grew up without Wegmans, a grocery store chain located on the east coast. I know you may be thinking, "How did she live so long with this Wegmans void in her life?" It wasn't intentional, I promise.
As a PepsiCo intern in Delaware this summer, I had to collect data from certain grocery stores with PepsiCo products, and one of those stores was Wegmans. The fan favorite grocery store changed my life, and each visit quickly became the highlight of my week. It sounds dramatic, but it's true.
There are 89 stores in the mid-Atlantic and New England regions (New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Virginia), but Californians like me don't get to experience the grocery store in all of its glory.
Wegmans is not your average grocery store. If you grew up knowing and loving this magical place, I'm jealous, but I also feel like we now share a special bond. If you're lucky, perhaps your Wegmans is one of the select stores with perks including restaurants, cooking classes, pharmacies, and a beer shop.
Fortune ranked Wegmans as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For." In 2016, Fortune even named Wegmans the best grocery store chain in America. I don’t know about you, but I trust the experts.
If for some reason you're not persuaded and have some doubts, here are some reasons why you need to get in the car and go to Wegmans.
1. Fresh Produce
Wegmans has a huge selection of organic and locally-grown fruits and veggies. What more could an avocado-loving California girl ask for?
2. DIY Trail Mix
The DIY trail mix bar is full of flavored granola options and toppings to fulfill your study snack needs. Don't make a rookie mistake and go overboard with the banana chips because they take up a lot of space.
3. Candy
If you have a sweet tooth, Wegmans is the place for you. Candy lovers rejoice, because Wegmans has bulk containers of all your favorite sugary sweets.
4. Makeup
Yes, you read that right. If you're in the market for some new makeup, be sure to check out their organic makeup and beauty products.
5. The Food Court
The food court has everything you may be craving as a shopper. Hot, prepared, and ready-to-eat Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Italian, Mexican, American, and Mediterranean foods are just some of the meal options. You fill up your box(es) with food that's ten times better than anything you were going to make and pay by weight.
6. Open 24/7
College students have really busy schedules. Sometimes night classes or bad dining hall hours get in the way of having a good meal. Luckily Wegmans never closes, so you can always count on them when you need a last-minute shopping trip.
7. Flowers
If you want to spruce up your dorm room or apartment or need a quick gift for someone, Wegmans has a beautiful flower section with helpful florists on hand.
8. Pizza
The pizza at Wegmans is up to par with your favorite Italian restaurant. The chain gets bonus points for making some of their pizza on Naan. If you want to make your own pizza though, buy the ingredients in the store and make a Pesto, Tomato, and Spinach Naan Pizza at home.
9. Prepared Meals
Besides having a stocked buffet of prepared food, Wegmans has ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat family-style or single-serving meal options that make cooking easy. Pre-made and customizable wraps, sandwiches, smoothies, and salads are also available. My favorite Wegmans prepared meal right now is their spiralized zucchini, sweet potato, and beets package, which are giving my Veggetti a run for its money.
10. Cookies
If you're looking for cookies but aren't feeling the traditional chocolate chip cookie, you have so many other options. Wegmans' oatmeal raisin cookies are addicting. Cookie Monster definitely approves of this large cookie selection.
11. The Bakery
The bakery at Wegmans prides itself on freshly made cakes, breads, muffins, doughnuts, bagels, and scones. I am obsessed with their single-serving slice of mouth watering carrot cake. The bakery is definitely a carb lover's dream.
12. Party Central
Wegmans will make you an entertainment genius. Various cheeses, crackers, flavored olive oils and vinegars, olives, and dried fruits are right there for you in one section. If you're not planning a party, you'll definitely want to after seeing this area of the store.