Wawa Reaches 60th Anniversary, Plans to Open More Than 70 New Stores in 2024

In 2024, Wawa plans to open more than 70 new stores, including first stores in three new states of Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina.  

Every new store generates at least 35 new local long-term jobs per store and becomes a committed community partner supporting local causes and raising millions of dollars chainwide through in-store fundraising campaigns that benefit National and Local non-profit partners serving in the community.

In addition to bringing delicious fresh food and menu items, fuel, convenience and services like surcharge-free ATMs and free air pumps, Wawa makes significant long-term investments in the more than 1,000 local communities it serves.

For many, Wawa stores become a community hub and a place where friends and neighbors connect.  “Since our first store opened its doors 60 years ago, it’s been an honor serving our communities with trusted quality products and convenience to most importantly offering comfort and camaraderie to local friends and neighbors,” said Chris Gheysens, Lead Goose, Wawa. “We pride ourselves on brightening days and as we continue to grow, we promise to continue Fulfilling Lives at every new store and look forward to serving the community for many more years to come!”  

At every Grand Opening, Wawa invites friends and neighbors to join the General Manager and new store team at 7:45 a.m. to count down the moment when the doors open for the very first time at 8:00 a.m. Followed by free “Wawa 60th Anniversary in Your Era,” t-shirts for the first 100 customers, as supplies last, and free any size hot coffee on opening day. Customers can join a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:30 a.m. with Wawa’s mascot Wally Goose, oversized scissors, red ribbon, confetti, and fanfare.

Wawa will also recognize local first responders with its signature Hoagies for Heroes hoagie-building competition where local police and fire face off to see who can build the most hoagies in three minutes with a large trophy at stake and $1,000 donated to each department’s charity of choice.

Wawa store locations are approximately 5,000 square feet with 12 MPDs on average on its fuel court featuring its signature fuel canopy.