ROCHESTER, NY - Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. has announced that it is entering the New York City market, anchoring a $140 million development of Admirals Row.

“It is a thrill to bring Wegmans to Brooklyn, along with hundreds of new jobs. Our family started this company in 1916, and we built our business by always putting the needs of our employees first,” Wegmans CEO Danny Wegman said in a press release. “Our employees are part of our family, and they are the reason for our success. We are proud to be part of this exciting project and look forward to providing the very best quality and selection, consistent low prices, and incredible customer service to the local and wider Brooklyn community.”

Carlo Scissura, President, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, also conveyed enthusiasm for the economic and social boost the store could give the surrounding community, as well as providing direct access to wholesome, local foods. “The addition of Wegmans supermarket to the Brooklyn Navy Yard is a major step forward to ensuring quality, fresh and affordable produce and foods in one of New York City’s food deserts,” he said.

The promised supermarket is set to occupy 74,000 sq. feet of 300-acre Brooklyn Navy Yard, as well as 78,000 sq. feet of retail space, 126,000 sq. feet of light industrial space, and 7,000 sq. feet of community facility space, all to be developed by Steiner. According to the release, BNYDC has also secured an option to build 100,000 sq. feet of additional light industrial space above a parking facility to accommodate ongoing demand.

“The Brooklyn Navy Yard is proud to deliver on its promise to bring a supermarket to this neighborhood,” BNYDC President & CEO David Ehrenberg also commented in the release. “But not just any grocery store. Wegmans is widely recognized as the country’s best supermarket for its affordable, quality food and is also recognized as the best retail employer in the country. And one of the reasons we selected them was because their employee compensation is consistently equal to or better than other food retailers in markets where they have stores,” he said, adding that the yard looks forward to working with the retailer.

The estimated completion date was not included in the company’s announcement, so stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.