The wait is just about over for people in Weston. They won't have to drive to neighboring communities for basic needs anymore. Lily's Weston Market opens Saturday, filling a major void in town.

The full-service grocery store takes over the prime spot in Weston Town Center, which has been empty since Peter's Weston Market closed Jan. 31, 2021 after 49 years.

News 12 met up there with managing partners JD Hall, John Stasko, and Mark McWhirter Friday as they entered the home stretch and took care of final preparations ahead of Lily's public debut.

"It's like we're going zero to 100," said Hall. "I can't wait to open. I feel like tomorrow's kind of a prize fight, and this is the day before--lot of anxiety, nerves, but we aim to do a good job."

Hall and Stasko are both familiar faces to the community, having worked at Peter's. Hall was there 22 years.

"I grew up there. The family I knew from Peter's was like family to me," Hall recalled.

That personal connection is part of the plan for Lily's Weston Market too, which is named after Stasko's 13-year-old daughter.

"This is the only grocery store in the town of Weston. This is it. So for the past year and a half, people have been driving to Georgetown or Westport," Stasko said.

McWhirter told News 12 the feedback from the community and local leaders has been unbelievably positive. "We had the governor in last week and nothing but praise from everyone, The only frustration they've had is for us to open quicker," McWhirter said.

The space had to be fully renovated, and McWhirter explained they ran into the same issues everyone's having with the supply chain and manpower. But after all that hard work, Lily's Weston Market is ready for customers, who'll find more than just groceries.

"We're offering a lot more prepared food for grab and go," Stasko said.

"The deli is second to none. The butcher shop is the same," added McWhirter. "So, I think we're really going to do well for the community."

He told News 12 neighboring mom and pop businesses are also cheering on the market and the expected foot traffic it will bring to the shopping center. That includes some old friends.

"I'm looking forward to seeing all the smiling faces in the community again," said Hall.