Two lines wrapped around the building: Wegmans breaks record with Raleigh opening

Gates-based grocery store chain Wegmans opened its first store in North Carolina, and the Tar Heel State was there for it.

More than 3,000 people, a record number, lined up outside the Raleigh location well before dawn for the grand opening at 7 a.m. Sunday, said Jo Natale, vice president of media relations for Wegmans.

Previously, she said, the grand opening crowd record was 2,400 people, held by Wegmans' Northborough, Massachusetts, store, which launched in 2011.

By 6:30 a.m. in Raleigh, two lines had wrapped around the supermarket and were growing at such “a rapid pace … that a decision was made to open the store at 6:45, 15 minutes early,” she said. 

Natale said it took between a half hour and 45 minutes for customers to enter the store, Wegmans’ 100th. 

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” tweeted Mikaya Thurmond of NBC affiliate WRAL-TV.

Video shot by The Drone Co. Raleigh shows waiting customers encircling the store at 1200 Wake Towne Drive.

Some social media posts described a rally-like atmosphere, complete with signs and Wegmaniacs-wear.

Zachery Eanes of the Raleigh News & Observer and Durham Herald-Sun tweeted that Wegmans hired 20 off-duty police officers to direct traffic.

The store employs 475 people, including a culinary staff of 120, and is paired with fast-casual burger restaurant The Burger Bar.

Previously, Wegmans said more than 24,000 Raleigh customers had signed up for Wegmans Shoppers Club via the store’s website and app.

The grocery chain plans to open five more stores in the Raleigh-Durham area, including the West Cary location on Davis Drive opening in 2020.

MGREENWO@Gannett.com