If you don’t think Westporters are excited about a new supermarket, you weren’t at Big Y yesterday.
The store opened at 7 a.m., in the Post Road East space previously occupied by Barnes & Noble. (Before that, it was Waldbaum’s — a now-defunct grocery chain.)
Almost immediately the bright, broad aisles were filled with happy — almost giddy — shoppers.
At 37,000 square feet, the Westport store is a bit smaller than the average Big Y. But it’s an important location for the Springfield, Massachusetts-based company, the second-largest supermarket chain in New England. (Stop & Shop is first.)
Before today, the closest Big Ys were in Stratford and Bethel.
Store director Joe Fetcho lives in Fairfield. He’s been with the company since 1996, and has long advocated for a Big Y here.
“I wanted my neighbors to experience this,” he says.
Fetcho is more than a Big Y manager. He’s a very enthusiastic ambassador.
“I’ve seen dozens of stores,” he adds. “But I’ve never seen this level of excitement anywhere.”
Why?
“The freshness, the variety — and especially the employees,” he says.
Shoppers were not the only ones smiling on Big Y’s first day.
One of those employees — bakery manager Lizzette Ruiz — echoed her boss’ sentiments.
“This is a real family organization. We all love interacting with customers. We listen to what they want. If you don’t see something, let us know. We’ll get it.”
Bakery manager Lizzette Ruiz.
Christian D’Amour is a 3rd generation Big Y executive. In 1936 his grandfather, great-uncle and great-aunts opened the Y Cash Market in Chicopee, Massachusetts. (The name came from its location: a “Y”-shaped intersection.)
Store director Joe Fetcho (left) and 3rd-generation Big Y owner Christian D’Amour, just inside the store’s entrance. The photo behind them shows D’Amour’s grandfather, the founder (right).
He spoke excitedly about the store’s 90 employees, and the high level of customer excitement.
Along with its supermarket selections, Westport’s Big Y features prepared foods (including fish and chips), sushi, made-to-order sandwiches, fresh pizza, soups, gluten-free already-baked cakes, and wings and salad bars. The seafood department includes a kosher section.
How do you like them apples?
As a former Barnes & Noble customer, Fetcho was familiar with the interior. It was challenging to turn it into a grocery store. But, he says, the layout is “efficient, roomy and shop-able.”
Shoppers agreed. Smiling more than supermarket customers usually do, they praised Big Y’s clean, fresh look. They liked the design and “sensible” organization.
Shoppers like Big Y’s wide aisles.
One woman was on her way to the airport. But she said, “I had to come see it.” She was glad she did.
Several echoed the verdict of one man, who praised the new Big Y by comparing it to another supermarket.
“I’m never going to Stop & Shop again,” he said.
(Big Y’s “grand opening” celebration is set for November 7.)
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Big Y’s salad bar. (All photos/Dan Woog)