Wawa Inc.

Wawa Inc. is one of the nation's most well-respected convenience-store chains, particularly when it comes to foodservice. In addition to a slew of fresh foods and beverages, Wawa sells a wide selection of private-label products, such as bagged Wawa coffees, dairy products and teas.

The chain grows almost exclusively through construction of new stores in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Florida and Washington, D.C.

In 2023, the company announced its plans to open approximately 80 stores across North Carolina's eastern region, with the first eight locations opening in 2024. Additionally, Wawa stated that it plans to open 160 stores across the Midwest in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. Then earlier this year, the company announced it would open 70 new stores in both existing markets as well as new ones. The company will soon open its first stores in three new states: Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina.

In 2022, the chain unveiled its plan to open non-traditional travel centers in North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. Travel centers will help close the gap in Wawa outposts between its Mid-Atlantic and Florida markets, according to the company.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2024.