North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Wegmans has officially broken ground on its first Charlotte location, a move that will create more than 250 construction jobs and, once open, provide roughly 450 permanent positions for the community.
The 110,000-sq. ft. Ballantyne store at 11550 North Community House Rd. is set to open in fall 2026.
The groundbreaking ceremony also included a donation from Wegmans to @shmetrolina, a local initiative aimed at reducing food insecurity, underscoring the company’s commitment to giving back to Charlotte.
“This groundbreaking is a pivotal step forward as we prepare for opening day,” said Dan Aken, Wegmans’ vice-president of Real Estate and Store Planning.
The Ballantyne store — about 10,000 square feet larger than Wegmans’ Triangle locations — will feature expansive produce, meat, seafood, and cheese sections, a market café with indoor and outdoor seating, an outdoor play area, and Wegmans’ signature overhead circulating train and rooster that crows on the hour.
Construction is underway in partnership with local general contractor Frampton Construction Co., following a successful site development phase. Vertical construction will begin next week, marking a major milestone in the project.
The Charlotte location represents Wegmans’ second North Carolina presence, following its first store in the Raleigh area five years ago. The store opens into a competitive grocery market, including Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Walmart, and new expansions from Publix and Sprouts Farmers Market.