Two Central New York Transplants Set Out to Be an Official Welcoming Committee for Norwalk @Wegmans Employees 4 Days Before Its Opening

Justine was shaking everyone's hands. "You're going to love this when it opens," she told everyone and, at the mall where we followed with lunch, she made announcements at the restaurant. Since 2011, when we met, we bonded with our nostalgia of Wegmans and our thrills when returning to CNY to visit family. A Rochester native, she graduated the same year as this Syracuse guy. 

I was on campus a day when I met Justine and the first thing out of my mouth was, "Where do people shop?" I was told the pickings were slim and, although amused, that Stu Leonards was the closest thing. I eventually settled into Stratford and found semi-comfort in Big Y (hell of a lot better than Krogers in Kentucky and Publix in Florida). Still, I longed for Wegmans and so did she. We've had a 15 year text exchange of sharing Wegmans stories over the years and we always said we'd be the biggest cheerleaders if a store ever came to Connecticut. 

Her husband thought we were crazy. We've known about the Norwalk opening for over a year and have had a countdown (the debut is this Wednesday). Still, knowing our enthusiasm for the store she convinced me we had to get there for a selfie before the crowds come. It's been several years since we were face to face and, if you know me, I'm terrible with commitments and getting out. She was sure I'd bale, but yesterday morning I was like, "Are you kidding me? This is exactly what I live for. I love beauty in life!"

We made a video narrating our arrival and then goo'd and ga'd that it had a parking garage, two floors, and an outdoor bottle return. Employees were coming in and out from their setting-up shifts and we shook their hands.

Don't mind us. Just a couple of dorks bonding once again over a joy of the store. I think we'd both welcome a statewide takeover. 

Par for the course, when the two gentlemen from the deli introduced themselves we let them know the store has done it again: friendly, kind, neighborly, and proud of the work they're doing. 

Justine has already arranged for her husband to take her there are the 6 a.m. opening, whereas I knew the only glimpse I could get of the store was over the weekend. I'll let the hype die down some before doing field trips with friends from Stratford. Besides, all the goods I love from the store are stocked in my cupboards...I'm good for a month or so, as I often replenish while at home with my parents.

All of this is to say, "Welcome to Connecticut, Wegmans." Justine and I both joked that they should invite us in at customer greeters.

And by the way, that isn't a painting or a mural behind Justine and the Deli Dudes. That was the actual sky yesterday in Connecticut...a beautiful day. 

Here's to roast-beef sub I'll be ordering as soon as I get there!