BUFFALO, NY – Thirty-five years ago, Wegmans planned to open its first store in Western New York. Suddenly the famed “Blizzard of ’77” hit-and delayed those plans for a few days. On February 6th 1977, the Dick Road Wegmans opened for business, and all these years later, Wegmans is a constant fixture and way of life for many Western New Yorkers.
Senior Vice President of the Buffalo Division stores, Michael Keating, says, “This is a special time for Wegmans as we recognize the relationship we have with our employees and customers alike by celebrating our anniversary with the great community that is Buffalo.”
Wegmans operates nine stores in the Buffalo area but extend their reach through sponsorships and community giving throughout the region. “Our involvement in the community is part of what we do every day,” states Theresa Jackson, of Consumer Affairs. “By supporting agency partners like the Food Bank of Western New York, the United Way, and a host of charities and programs, we are able to impact the lives of people throughout our region, and that makes us proud to be community partners.”
With a local employee base of approximately 5,000, Wegmans will recognize those with 35 years of service or more this month and have in-store celebrations in each of the nine Buffalo Wegmans stores to allow customers to join in the fun.
The We Love Buffalo celebrations will take place on Saturday, February 11th from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Customers will be greeted by employees who will share their love and appreciation of Buffalo with cookies and sparkling juice, a bit of fun, and will be highlighting products and services that have a Buffalo connection or are unique to Wegmans such as Cocopops, Wegmans Menu magazine, locally grown and produced products, Buffalo Chicken options in prepared foods, and the Shoppers Club card.
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is a 79-store supermarket chain with stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. The family-owned company, founded in 1916, is recognized as an industry leader and innovator. Wegmans has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ by FORTUNE magazine for fifteen consecutive years. In 2012, Wegmans ranked #4 on the list.
Source: Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.
