On May 16, North Carolina's first Wawa store opened in Kill Devil Hills. The location is the first of nine stores slated to open in the state before the end of summer, and 10 by the end of the year.
President of Wawa Inc. Brian Schaller commented on the company's plans in a news release.
“We are excited to fly into North Carolina and bring our unique combination of fresh food and beverage, convenience and service to this state for the very first time," Schaller said. "This historic milestone kicks off our ongoing growth and expansion in North Carolina as we continue to build new stores and create new jobs."
The new store is the latest addition to the chain's over 1,000 locations, and the first in N.C.
Are there any Wawas in NC?
As of May 16 there is one Wawa location in N.C., in Dare County at 1900 Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948. The company plans to continue expanding throughout the state.
Are they building Wawa stores in North Carolina?
The recent news release from Wawa stated that there will be eight stores open in N.C. by the end of 2024. Addresses announced for the Wawa locations included:
- N. Croatan Highway & W. 4th Street, Kill Devil Hills
- Halstead Boulevard & Rt. 17, Elizabeth City
- Raleigh Road Parkway & Hayes Place, Wilson
- Ward Road & Nash Street, Wilson
- Benvenue Road & Jeffreys Road, Rocky Mount
- Wayne Memorial Drive & Hospital Road, Goldsboro
- Stantonsburg Road & Moye Boulevard, Greenville, N.C.
- U.S. 70 & N.C. 581, Goldsboro
Representatives also said that the company will open up to 11 stores in 2025 in counties including:
- Robeso
- Pitt
- Cumberland
- Onslow
- Johnston
- Nash
- Pender
- Brunswick
- New Hanover
Over the next eight to 10 years, Wawa plans to build and open six to eight stores per year reaching a total of 90 stores in N.C. Each store will cost more than $7 million to complete, and will employ an average of 140 contractors and local partners during the construction process.
Once the stores open, each will employ an average of 35 people, meaning that Wawa expects to create more than 3,000 new long-term jobs as a result of the brand's expansion into N.C.
Which states have Wawa locations?
Wawa had locations in only seven states until recently, when first stores were opened in both Alabama and N.C. The total list of states as of 2024 is:
- New Jersey
- Florida
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- Maryland
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Alabama
- North Carolina
Where did Wawa get its name?
The name "Wawa" has a simple, historical origin, according to its website. The company began in 1803 as an iron foundry in New Jersey. In 1902, owner George Wood and his family began a small dairy processing plant in Wawa, Pennsylvania, which became a huge success.
When the practice of milk delivery declined in the early 1960s, Grahame Wood, George Wood's grandson, opened the first Wawa Food Market in 1964 in Pennsylvania as an outlet for dairy products.
What is Wawa known for?
Wawa is an award-winning chain, with Forbes rankings for best customer service and high quality employment opportunities. Stores are also known for fresh, diverse food options including custom prepared hoagies, freshly-brewed coffee, hot breakfast sandwiches and more.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
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