Wegmans is ending its Pub operations at stores throughout its footprint, including the one in Perinton. The Pub restaurant is the only one in the Rochester area. The story was first reported in the Democrat & Chronicle, and Wegmans confirmed the news Tuesday morning.
The Pub locations were originally closed because of the coronavirus
Spokesperson Deana Percassi said the supermarket company is “focused on applying our culinary expertise to the increasing demand for fast, casual meal solutions available in our stores, for pickup, and through delivery.”
The Pub at the Perinton store opened in 2016, located next to the Market Café at that location. There was a full service bar, with craft beers, wine and cocktails. There was also a Pub at a Wegmans in Buffalo.
The Pub at the Perinton store was part of a 31,000 square foot expansion. There were 12 Pub stores throughout the chain, and Wegmans staffers who worked there have been offered other jobs at Wegmans.
Burt Flickinger, a longtime supermarket analyst, who is managing director of Strategic Resource Group, thinks that some of the attached or nearby restaurants that Wegmans operates also will continue to be an important part of the company’s business plan.
“The higher profit margins are all in beverage so for the on-premise experience for the locations with separate entrances Wegmans will continue to do well with those locations." Flickinger also thinks it's a good idea for Wegmans to get out of operations within its stores that serve alcohol, from a perception and public safety perspective.
Wegmans still operates other restaurant-type facilities such as Next Door in Pittsford, Amore at the East Avenue store and The Burger Bar at the Pittsford location. Next Door now has limited indoor seating and outdoor seating and has curbside service.
The Burger Bar has takeout and delivery service and Amore, which is now closed, is expected to reopen later this year.
