Wegmans

Wegmans Food Markets is a family-owned grocery chain based in Rochester, New York, United States. The company was founded in 1916 by John and Walter Wegman and currently has 101 locations. Wegmans stores have often been renowned for their esteemed employment system and large stores with wide assortments of product.

History
Wegmans was founded in 1916 as the Rochester Fruit and Vegetable Company, out of the Wegman family's house in Rochester. The two brothers became known as innovators in the grocery business, and in the early 1930s, they opened a self-service grocery, a new concept that would revolutionize food shopping. The new store was incorporated in 1931 as Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.

In 1932, Wegmans introduced refrigerated display windows and vaporized water sprays to keep produce fresh, two things unique to Rochester supermarkets at the time. Frozen (then known as frosted) foods were introduced to their stores in 1940. All stores were converted to self-service in 1949.

In 1953, the company announced a series of broad programs of employee benefits for their more than 350 full-time employees, including an employee profit-sharing plan the following year.

In 1957, the company opened a store in Newark Plaza, Wayne County, the first shopping plaza and supermarket developed outside of Monroe County by Wegmans Enterprises. It was the eleventh and largest supermarket in Wegmans’ chain, and the largest supermarket in Newark at the time. Features of the 25,000 square foot store included a Kiddie Corner, “electric eye” checkout desks and “magic carpet” self-opening doors.