Scenes From Wegmans' Lancaster Arrival

Wegmans Food Markets’ opened its 98th store on Sept. 23 in Lancaster, Pa., drawing a packed crowd of anxious first-day shoppers and excited employees.

The Rochester, N.Y.-based retailer reportedly spent about $40 million to develop the store—Wegmans’ first in Pennsylvania to feature its Burger Bar restaurant and new pizza and salad stations. The store also features Wegmans' standard merchandising flair and specialty departments. As part of its opening events, Wegmans donated 17,674 pounds of nonperishable food to two area charities: Water Street Mission and Lancaster County Council of Churches Food Hub.

What follows are more photos from the opening, courtesy of Wegmans.

A photo prior to its 7 a.m. opening shows a line already encircling the store. Wegmans said it had “hundreds” of requests to build in Lancaster.

This group was near the front of the line at 5:30 a.m. Wegmans is known for an expansive produce department and a merchandising approach the company likens to European open-air markets.

Another look at the approaching crowd. Those wishing to avoid the mobs can now order for delivery through Instacart.

The store leadership team gives a welcome. Pictured in front (from left) are Pharmacy Manager Laura Cerza; Merchandising Manager Ann Sturm; Store Manager Jimmy Bellis; and Perishable Area Leader Rob Campbell.

Some of the 475 employees of the new store. About 100 culinarians are led by Executive Chef Keith Briggs.

“Shoppers from this area have been traveling to Downingtown and Harrisburg to shop at our stores for a very long time,” manager Jimmy Bellis said. Shoppers triumphantly enter the 120,000-square-foot store.

The Burger Bar is Wegmans’ family-friendly, casual restaurant serving burgers and sandwiches, salads, soup, sides, kids meals, and beer and wine by the glass. Between the restaurant and other areas inside and outside the store, there is seating for 300.

A worker stocks an adjoining wine and beer department in preparation for the opening. Wegmans said the store carries more than 800 varieties of domestic, craft and imported beers, including “Craft Your Own” six-packs and hard ciders.