WAWA, Pa. -- Wawa Inc. will open its first convenience store in Washington, D.C., this year, a move that has fans of the Pennsylvania-based retailer atwitter on social media.
The retailer is holding an event June 13, “A Front Page Look at the Wawa Experience,” at the Newseum, according to a flyer obtained by the Popville blog.
“Our restaurant-style location will feature the best of Wawa’s products and innovations in a casual, inviting setting,” the flyer says.
“Join us at the Newseum as we write a new Wawa story and mark the construction of our first Wawa store in D.C.,” it says. “As a company committed to evolving to create the best customer experiences, we invite you to hear the full story as we unveil the first glimpse of our future Wawa experience and celebrate our entrance into D.C.”
The event is for the real estate and development community and local officials, Wawa spokesperson Lori Bruce told CSP Daily News. “We will share our plans for the first Wawa store in downtown Washington, D.C.” at the event, she said.
It will include a presentation by Wawa President and CEO Chris Gheysens and other members of the senior leadership team.
The news brought joy to the hearts of rabid Wawa fans on social media. Here are a few examples:
BREAKING UPDATE: Wawa coming to DC is confirmed by @wawa repeat confirmed!! This is not a drill https://t.co/dNlXsSHjS5 pic.twitter.com/9ySjOAbFBe
— PoPville (@PoPville) May 17, 2017
OMFG: Wawa is coming to D.C. https://t.co/OxHjWEP3zC pic.twitter.com/OYgWHSMW1i
— DCist (@DCist) May 17, 2017
BIG NEWS, BREAKING: Wawa is coming to Washington (and something about Bob Mueller) https://t.co/Upu3bLvHl1
— Ali Watkins (@AliWatkins) May 17, 2017
If There’s One Thing That Will Finally Get Politics Working In Washington DC, It’s Wawa https://t.co/OgBpqZO0Ct
— Eric William Shannon (@ericliamshannon) May 19, 2017
Philly Stake
Meanwhile, Wawa is also opening a new c-store in Philadelphia.
The company has leased 6,196 square feet in National Real Estate Development LLC’s new building and has become East Market’s newest tenant.
The retailer said it expects the new c-store (see rendering below) to open in spring 2018.
“Our commitment to investing in the communities we serve is at the heart of the 'Wawa Way,' ” Gheysens said. “We are proud to continue expansion in Center City with our newest location at East Market, which bridges together so many parts of the downtown area. As we have at Broad and Walnut and 1900 Market Street, we look forward to welcoming and serving both locals and visitors who experience our city in so many different ways.”
Daniel Killinger, managing director for National Real Estate Development, Washington, said, “We are delighted that Wawa, one of the most beloved brands in our region, will be our next partner in reshaping the East Market neighborhood. Together with all of our tenants, we are creating a dynamic urban neighborhood, transforming Market Street with active ground-floor retail tenants. Wawa is a perfect anchor for East Market on Market Street.”
The East Market project encompasses an entire city block and blends shopping and dining options with apartments and workspaces. Wawa joins a growing list of retailers and office tenants coming to East Market, including gourmet grocer MOM’s Organic Market, award-winning brewpub Iron Hill, architectural firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and Design Center with its collection of design showrooms.
Wawa, based in Wawa, Pa., operates more than 750 c-stores across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Florida.
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