The Williamson's Family: Wegmans Roadies Personified

This story is from an article in The Washington Post published on March 1, 2004. 

At 5:20 a.m. Antoinette and Ramon Williamson, along with their four children between the ages of 2 and 8, where first in line for the 7 a.m. opening of a new Wegmans in Sterling, Virginia. However, they were not alone.  400 people were in line behind them and "by 7:55 a.m., all 850 grocery carts were taken."  The managers estimated up to 10,000 people to meander down the aisles by the 1 a.m. closing time. 

"The Rochester, NY -based grocery store chain--known for its upscale products, moderate prices and cheery customer service -- is placing a sizable bet that fast-growing Loudoun County is filled with patrons like the Williamsons.  Th

e 130,000-square-foot store--four times the size of a typical grocery--is the first Wegmans to open in the Washington area and the 66th nationwide." 

The Williamson's (and the other 400 customers) were welcomed into store by "whooping and clapping" employees.  "Cashiers, sushi chefs and managers clasped hands and chanted: 'Give me a W! W! Give me an E! E!...'"  

Danny Wegman, the CEO of Wegmans Markets Inc., was at the Sterling opening hanging around by the vine tomatoes like a rock star in leather pants and a shiny purple shirt.  (Mr. Wegman has headed the company since the passing of this father and former Chairman, Robert Wegman, in April 2006.  He has been induced into the Food Industry Hall of Fame as a charter member).  

After two hours of shopping, the Williamson's cart was full and they were ready to checkout.  According to Antoinette, she is a "supermarket connoisseur." As they left, they were munching on free slices of spongy green fruit called uniq.