This NC grocery store closed a food department. Here’s what will replace it
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Wegmans to open Hot Bowls at four NC stores in November.
- Hot Bowls offers build-your-own and set bowls with Mediterranean, Latin and Asian flavors.
- Wegmans bowls retail around $12–$16, higher than comparable Chipotle and Cava bowls.
A North Carolina grocery store known for its wide selection of prepared foods is making a change.
Wegmans is launching its “Hot Bowls” concept at all four of its stores in the Tar Heel state, starting with the Chapel Hill store.
Hot Bowls opened in Chapel Hill on Tuesday, Nov. 11, and is expected to open at the locations in Raleigh, Cary and Wake Forest by late November, Wegmans public relations coordinator Marcie Rivera told The News & Observer in an email.
Here’s what to know about the new foods.
Wegmans closes Burger Bar in NC
The grocer, which was founded in New York, has closed its Burger Bar stations at North Carolina stores.
“As we continue to innovate, we’re seeing our areas like Asian, Pizza, Subs, Sandwiches, and Bowls experience strong growth across the company,” Wegmans said in a statement. “Closing those locations gives us the opportunity to expand in the areas our customers are seeking the most and gives our employees other opportunities to learn and grow.”
The Hot Bowls concept is the newest department at the North Carolina stores. Customers shouldn’t notice much disruption, as work is being completed at night, Rivera said.
At Hot Bowls, customers can create their own bowl or choose from a set menu, with options inspired by Mediterranean, Latin and Asian cuisines.
The bowls can be assembled fresh in store, or shoppers can order on the Meals2Go app. Wegmans also has a selection of pre-packaged bowls in stock.
Wegmans Hot Bowls menu
Customers have already been able to order pre-packaged bowls from Wegmans.
Among the grocer’s offerings are:
- The harissa chicken bowl ($12), made with chicken breast, roasted sweet corn, pickled red onions, rainbow slaw, cucumbers, original hummus and roasted red pepper hummus, all over a bed of quinoa brown rice
- The Latin flank steak bowl ($16), which features a base of quinoa brown rice topped with flank steak, Caribbean black beans, Monterey Jack cheese, pico de gallo, roasted sweet corn and cilantro lime green sauce, with a cup of roasted tomato salsa.
- The Asian-inspired salmon teriyaki bowl ($16), which includes stir-fried vegetables and mushrooms and teriyaki-glazed salmon, with a cup of sweet and savory black pepper teriyaki sauce.
How Wegmans prices compare to fast-casual bowls
The create-your-own Hot Bowls concept is similar to the experience customers might find at restaurants such as Chipotle or Cava.
But customers may pay different prices at each business.
For example, Wegmans sells a Latin chicken bowl made with quinoa brown rice, black beans, cheese, pico de gallo, sweet corn, cilantro lime green sauce and roasted tomato salsa for $12. At Chipotle, customers can order a burrito bowl with nearly the same fixin’s for $9.15.
At Cava, diners can build their own grain bowl for $11.35, a meal that resembles Wegmans’ harissa chicken bowl, sold for $12.
This story was originally published November 13, 2025 at 12:41 PM with the headline "This NC grocery store closed a food department. Here’s what will replace it."
