‘Wegmans is absolutely epic’: Line began at Charlotte store the night before
Charlotte’s first Wegmans does not open its doors until 9 a.m., but superfans (aka “Wegmaniacs”) of the Rochester, N.Y.-based grocer are already lined up in Ballantyne hours before the historic moment.
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After years of anticipation, it’s finally here for shoppers at 11550 N. Community House Road.
The store features dedicated cheese counters, specialty bakeries, and expansive prepared-food and dining offerings, giving local shoppers and New York transplants a taste of Upstate and Western New York. Some of the many offerings include sandwiches, sushi, pizza, and a cheese shop with varieties aged in Wegmans’ famed Cheese Caves.
For those planning a trip to Wegmans later today, here’s what happened outside before the doors officially unlocked.
By 5:30 a.m., the line of the store’s first customers stretched around the corner.
Wearing Buffalo Bills paraphernalia, Kari Morris, Eski Kowalski and Selma Belic were the first group in line at 5 p.m. They traveled from Lexington, S.C., for the celebration.
“Wegmans is absolutely epic,” Morris said. “They have amazing options.”
Some of the things she’s looking forward to are the bison dip and the chocolate sponge candy, which they described as a chocolate-covered treat with a light, airy texture.
“Man, I feel great,” Kowalski said. “It’s an amazing and perfect environment, but it needs to get more hyped up because I’m energy, but it’s going to get there.”
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For the Bills fans, the store opening is bringing a slice of home and Upstate New York.
Belic is also excited to try the sponge candy.
“I’m ready for all the desserts,” Belic said. “The best part of it… the pumpkin roll cake. That’s what I’m excited for, for sure.”
Jonathan Gibbs was next in line. He traveled from Greenville, S.C., with his wife Pat. Before retirement, Jonathan and Pat lived in Columbia, Maryland, for 40 years and as well as Philadelphia, where they became long-time fans of the Wegmans brand, service and food.
“We’ve been surrounded by some great people tonight,” Gibbs said. “We made some good friends, and we’re looking forward to the next opening so we can meet again.”
When the store opens, they’re planning to get pizza and almond burst cookies. They are also looking forward to taking food back home in their RV.
Around 7 a.m., cars continued to pour in, with some people tailgating nearby instead of waiting in line.
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This story was originally published October 14, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
