13 Things That Instantly Reveal to New Yorkers You’ve Never Been to Wegmans

Many New Yorkers plan their weekly meals around Wegmans and, gasp, look forward to their visits.

But if it’s your first time stepping inside, it can be a little overwhelming.

These are the most common signs to locals you’re a Wegmans newbie.

You’re Surprised by How Big the Store Is

First-time visitors are often caught off guard by the size of the store. Wegmans locations are typically larger than a standard grocery store and often include entire sections for specialty foods, wine, and prepared meals.

Seasoned shoppers move with purpose. They know how the store is laid out and rarely stop to take it all in.

If you’re standing at the entrance looking around in awe, that’s a clear sign you’re new.

It takes a few trips to get your bearings. But once you do, the layout becomes part of the appeal.

You Don’t Have the App or Shoppers Club Card

Wegmans offers digital tools that make the shopping process smoother, like the Wegmans app for digital lists and barcodes. There’s also the Shoppers Club card, which unlocks discounts.

If you don’t scan your card or app at checkout, you’re probably paying more than you need to. Regulars make sure to have it ready.

Cashiers might ask if you have one. If you seem confused, it’s a giveaway that you’re not a frequent shopper.

Both the card and app are free, and they offer real savings, especially on store-brand products.

You Ask Where the “Regular” Brands Are

Wegmans has a strong lineup of private-label goods. In fact, many shoppers go there specifically for the store-brand versions of pasta, sauces, snacks, and cleaning products.

New visitors sometimes scan the shelves for national brands they recognize and overlook the store’s own items.

Regulars know that the store-brand options are often just as good, and sometimes better.

If you’re only hunting for familiar labels, it can be a sign you haven’t shopped at Wegmans before.

You Skip the Cheese Section Without Looking

Wegmans is known for its extensive cheese department. From international imports to locally aged varieties, the selection rivals what you’d find in a specialty shop.

New shoppers often walk right past or grab something basic, not realizing how much variety is available.

Regulars often take their time here, asking for samples or chatting with the staff behind the counter.

If you miss this section or rush through it, it signals you haven’t yet discovered one of the store’s standout features.

You Treat It Like a Quick Trip Store

Wegmans is designed for people who like to linger. It’s a destination store with wide aisles, themed displays, and plenty of prepared food options.

First-timers often run in expecting a quick errand, then realize it’s not that kind of place. Rushing through is a dead giveaway.

Regulars often plan to spend more time there, especially if they’re shopping for a dinner party or browsing seasonal specials.

If you only grab a few basics and head to the express lane, it’s clear you haven’t explored much yet.

You Gawk at the Burger Bar or Market Café

One of the first things seasoned shoppers notice is whether someone is having trouble choosing what to order at the Burger Bar or Market Café.

These spots are tucked inside many Wegmans locations and serve freshly made meals. But the choice about what to order can be hard to make if you’re a newbie.

There are burgers, sushi, sandwiches, and seasonal dishes that rotate throughout the year.

If you spend loads of time trying to decide what to order, it’s a giveway that you’re likely new to Wegmans’ Burger Bar or Market Café.

You Don’t Know About the Bakery’s Fresh Breads

Wegmans has an in-house bakery that offers fresh breads made daily. From sourdough loaves to baguettes and multigrain rolls, the variety is wide and well-loved.

First-timers sometimes head to the packaged bread aisle and miss the bakery section altogether.

Regulars know that the best items sometimes sell out early. Some even arrive first thing in the morning to grab a warm loaf.

If you assume a bagged white loaf of bread is better from the inner aisles instead of the bakery, you’re missing out on one of the key reasons Wegmans is so popular.

You Wait in the Wrong Line at the Pharmacy

Wegmans pharmacies often have separate lines for pickups, drop-offs, and consultations. Signs are posted, but they can be easy to miss if you’re unfamiliar.

First-time visitors may get in the wrong line or stand off to the side, unsure of where to go. This can hold things up for everyone else.

Regular pharmacy customers move through quickly. They know how to check in and when to ask questions.

Feeling lost at the counter is a common sign that it’s your first visit.

You’re Not Sure What to Do With the Olive Bar

Wegmans’ olive bar is another feature that stands out to regulars. It offers marinated olives, roasted garlic, seasoned peppers, and other ready-to-eat antipasti.

New shoppers often glance at it but don’t stop. Some aren’t sure if they need gloves, containers, or how it’s priced.

Those who shop at Wegmans often know exactly what they want. They fill their container and move along with ease.

Looking confused or walking past completely can be a sign you haven’t visited before.

You Don’t Know What a “Sub” Means at Wegmans

At Wegmans, a “sub” isn’t just a sandwich. It’s part of the culture. The subs from the Wegmans deli are famous, especially in the Northeast.

People who shop there regularly know to order ahead on the app or expect a bit of a wait during lunchtime. They have their favorite bread, and they have strong opinions about hot vs. cold subs.

If you’re standing in line asking what comes on a turkey sub or wondering whether they’re pre-made, it’s clear you haven’t ordered a Wegmans sub before.

The real veterans even know the sandwich crew by name.

You Head Straight for the Produce Without Grabbing a Cart

At Wegmans, walking in without a cart is a rookie move. The store is massive, and the produce section alone can overwhelm first-timers.

Many new visitors underestimate just how many items they’ll want to grab. Between the bakery samples, seasonal fruit displays, and ready-to-go salads, it adds up fast.

Seasoned shoppers grab a cart, or at least a basket with wheels, before they even hit the entrance tunnel of fresh goods.

And if you find yourself juggling apples and muffins while heading back to the front for a cart, that’s often a dead giveaway you’re a Wegmans newbie.

You Don’t Understand Why There’s a Fireplace in the Store

Yes, that cozy little lounge area with the fireplace is part of the Wegmans experience.

Some locations offer soft seating, warm lighting, and even a small café space where you can sit with coffee or sushi.

It’s not just for looks, it’s part of the store’s design to make shopping feel relaxing and enjoyable.

If you walk by without a second glance or act confused by the setup, others will know you haven’t spent much time in a Wegmans before.

You’re Confused by the Organic and Conventional Sections Being Separate

Wegmans often organizes its produce section into distinct zones—organic on one side, conventional on the other.