Given the uptick in recent media interest in the beloved Bring Wegmans to Charlotte group, I invited its founder and fearless leader, Dr. Tom Bailey to share on this topic. As a member, I can attest that Tom consistently encourages us to get to know each other better, sparking conversations about where we’re from, our favorite Wegmans store, our favorite foods found only at Wegmans. Thus, I became interested in knowing more about him. So, I reached out and he has been kind enough to grant me an interview.
Tom is a physician who does his research. His skepticism led him- two years hence -to discover why he should drive 40 minutes “just to get groceries”. Upon arrival he immediately recognized Wegmans as no ordinary grocery store. Since that time he has loudly and proudly retold the story, capturing the imagination of future Wegmans recruits, and warming the hearts of the already faithful. Early on, Tom was ever so pleased to see Wegmans expand in the Bethlehem PA region.
Alas, life later intervened and drew Tom away from the Lehigh Valley and on to ….not yet….Memphis! In Memphis, he was forced to settle for other retailers not on par with Wegmans (because there’s no such thing as “on par with Wegmans”). Relocation ensued four years later and Tom found greener pastures, Wegmans-wise, living in North Carolina. The man who questioned a 40 minute drive to Wegmans now finds himself with a two hour or so drive to Raleigh or to Cary. By no means ungrateful for Wegmans so “nearby”, including recent developments in other locations and proposed locations, Tom’s passion for bringing Wegmans to Charlotte cannot be understated.
Therefore, he created and leads a passionate collection of followers via his Bring Wegmans to Charlotte Facebook group. At last count numbering 2000+ (editor’s note: 5,400 members and counting a/o April 2022)Wegmaniacs from all around the greater Charlotte MSA, by the time you read this sentence, that number will have grown! Rumors abound as to when Wegmans will locate in Charlotte. Doubtless, our time will come.
I couldn’t help but wonder, with such explosive member activity, how Tom keeps up with the adventure. Not only does the group grow by the minute, but the give and take among the members is nearly constant. Bear in mind, every member is vetted by name, location and Wegmans connection. No posers or wanna-be’s get past Tom ….and, as it turns out, he has helpers with the site. It should come as no surprise that Tom has hands on deck, Sonia and several moderators, to ensure legitimate membership, content of posts (there will be no bigotry, politics or commercial posts) and every member must have his/her own Facebook presence. Non-Wegmans chat is generally limited to a little about sports, as long as it’s in good fun and good taste.
(Editors note: As a member, I can attest that this group is unfailing respectful and happy. We’re always excited to connect with others, especially from our home towns in other Wegmans lands.)
Tom graciously admits that his favorite part of the project is getting to meet so many people while promoting the mission to Bring Wegmans to Charlotte.
Tom has his personal Wegmans favorites. Upon arrival, he goes to the deli to order Hoagies/Subs, with particular fondness for the Danny Special. That’s with Tangy Italian Relish – no mayo – for sure. As an experienced Wegmans enthusiast (or Wegmaniac or The Faithful, if you prefer), Tom’s visits to Wegmans are well thought out, perfectly executed shopping experiences, with more than a touch of “tourist trip” vibes.
That sentiment is shared among members of the group who cheer every announcement of a member’s plan to visit, questions about their favorite Wegmans-only selections, and well wishes with enough enthusiasm to evoke thoughts of handkerchiefs waving from the bow of a cruise ship! Upon return, members typically report on the contents of their hauls and respond to questions regarding specific item inventory, which for me is Grandma Brown Beans (how I long for their return….) Tom attests to members' attribution for the Wegmans experience as anything from a Religious Experience to a Tourist Travel Destination, as shoppers drive great distances to spend a day or more at Wegmans stocking up.
Tom makes a strong case for Wegmans in Charlotte. He has done his homework and cites the following: there are probably close to 2.5 mm people within 50 miles of the metro area and covering two states and growing. (NB: the South Carolina border is minutes from Charlotte Metro). He estimates 10’s, if not 100’s of thousands of transplants here from Wegmans country, that being NY, PA, MD, NJ, etc. Charlotte is extraordinarily fast-growing and Wegmans fans make up a significant percentage of that growth. We, who are in that category, will promptly depart our current local grocers and resume our unbridled affinity for Wegmans the moment they arrive.
So, let us join in the spirit of gratitude, thanking the one who brings us together on social media to pine for Wegmans, cheer for successful Wegmans adventures, meet and make friends among the cohort, and revel in the knowledge that Wegmans will indeed reach Charlotte one day. Thank you, Dr. Tom Bailey, for keeping us on the radar for a Wegmans in Charlotte – the sooner the better!
If we try hard enough, we might even see something like this as a reward for our efforts.....We can only 🙏 hope.