WAWA, Pa. — Wawa has revealed plans to launch its first convenience stores in the states of Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, part of the chain’s long-term expansion plan to fuel store growth in adjacent and new markets.
Wawa’s new market expansion also includes a previously announced foray into the state of Tennessee. These market launches will take place sometime after 2025, and the company will offer details on estimated timeframes and numbers of stores by state in 2023.
“At Wawa, growth means strengthening our existing markets as well as expanding to both adjacent and new markets so we can reach new friends and neighbors and welcome them as part of our extended family,” said Chris Gheysens, Wawa’s president and CEO. “These markets are the perfect places for Wawa to expand based on their strong business communities, their family-like atmosphere and the confidence that our unique offer and amazing associates will be welcomed by these communities. We look forward to bringing our freshly prepared food, specialty beverages, fuel and convenience services to these new areas all while creating new jobs and meaningful community support.”
John Poplawski, vice president of real estate for Wawa, added, “We have received thousands of requests over the years to spread our wings further west. We couldn’t be more excited to announce our growth plans in these markets as we will soon serve more people in new communities with our unique brand and offer. We can’t wait to reconnect with those that know us from existing markets and meet new friends and neighbors come 2025 and beyond.”
Wawa will also continue to open stores throughout its current markets, it said. The chain also recently announced expansion plans for adjacent markets in the Florida Panhandle, Alabama, North Carolina and Georgia, with the first stores projected to open in those markets in 2024.
Wawa is accepting site suggestions from real estate representatives for all locations, including adjacent and new market areas.
- Wawa is No. 9 on CSP’s 2022 Top 202 ranking of convenience store chains by store count.
Wawa, Pa.-based Wawa has more than 950 c-stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida and Washington, D.C.
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