Wegmans shoppers could be able to dine outside if the Rochester-based chain moves forward with plans for a dining patio at its DeWitt supermarket. Wegmans’ site plan application to add the patio was recently approved by the town of DeWitt, although the town asked for some engineering modifications. The outdoor patio would be in front of the store in...
Wegmans has received permission from DeWitt to open an outdoor cafe at its grocery store at 6789 E Genesee St.
Wegmans shoppers could be able to dine outside if the Rochester-based chain moves forward with plans for a dining patio at its DeWitt supermarket.
Wegmans’ site plan application to add the patio was recently approved by the town of DeWitt, although the town asked for some engineering modifications.
The outdoor patio would be in front of the store in a landscaped area between the sidewalk and existing café. There are large windows in the café that look out over the area where the patio would be.
There would be six to eight tables with patio umbrellas and outdoor seating for 50 to 60 people, said Dick Robb, DeWitt’s commissioner of building, planning and zoning.
A supermarket spokeswoman confirmed the chain is considering an outdoor dining patio addition, but said no final decision has been made yet.
"We are still in the planning stages," said Wegmans spokesperson Evelyn Carter. "We are still researching this, and will make a final decision as soon as possible."
A low brick wall would separate the patio area from the sidewalks that runs alongside the store, Robb said. The area targeted for outdoor dining is on a slight decline, so it wouldn’t be easily seen from the parking lot, Carter said.
Carter said they believe shoppers would welcome the option to dine outside.
"Wegmans is always looking at new ways to offer convenience for our shoppers, and this is one of those types of opportunities," she said.
Wegmans offers outdoor dining at some of its other locations., Carter said. The 75-store supermarket chain has stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and Maryland.
Elizabeth Doran can be reached at edoran@syracuse.com or 470-3012