Robert Wegman, chairman of Wegmans Food Markets, died Thursday afternoon. The markets, where many Syracuse University students work or shop, started as a small local grocery and grew into a chain of 70 stores in five states through Wegman’s own guidance.

Wegman’s son, Danny, is now chairman and chief executive officer of Wegmans Food Markets. Danny Wegman first became the CEO in 2005.

Eric Marcarian, a senior accounting major, has worked at Wegmans for more than five years.

‘I know Robert put a lot of work into the company,’ Marcarian said. ‘It was a great place to get my first job.’

Marcarian said Wegmans is a good place to work because it offers flexible hours, paid vacation and other benefits. Wegmans also offers a scholarship program awarding up to $6,000.

‘Obviously I don’t enjoy going to work, because it’s work,’ Marcarian said. ‘But still if I had to go, it was a good place. Good people work there.’

Colleen Glynn, a senior English education major who shops at Wegmans, said the grocery store’s employees are always friendly when she goes there.

‘They treat their employees so well. That’s why they’re so nice,’ Glynn said. ‘That’s why they treat the customers so well.’

Robert Wegman became president of the Wegmans company in 1950, taking control of the store in Rochester that his father and uncle opened in 1930. Wegman’s youngest daughter and granddaughter also hold executive ranks in the Wegmans company.

Mary McHale, a junior English education major, agreed with Glynn that Wegmans offers great selection and friendly service.

‘It’s a family-owned business, so hopefully it’ll stay the same,’ McHale said.

Marcarian said he has no doubt that Wegmans will maintain its current standards but knows that Robert Wegman will be missed.

‘I think the older guys will be affected by his death for a while,’ he said. ‘But for me, going to work will be all the same.’

Published on April 26, 2006 at 12:00 pm