Wawa’s next big thing? Ohio; convenience giant says 60 stores on tap

Wawa broke ground on it's first store in Cincinnati, continuing its expansion to more states.

The Cincinnati store is the first in Ohio for the Pennsylvania-based Wawa and kicks off an aggressive plan to open 60 stores in the Buckeye State.

Wawa expects to open 11 stores in Ohio in 2025, with the Cincinnati location set to open early next year, according to published reports.

Headquartered in Wawa, Pennsylvania, the popular convenience chain operates over 1,050 stores in eight states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, and Washington DC.

"We are excited to begin construction on our stores in Ohio as we get closer to bringing the unique Wawa experience to new customers in more markets,” said Joe Collins, Director of Store Operations in a Wawa announcement. “We look forward to continuing to spread our wings in Ohioand can’t wait to get started serving our new friends and neighbors.”

Dayton is next planned ground-breaking in Ohio this summer.

What's next for Ohio

Wawa plans to build and open up to 10 stores per year, over the next five to eight years, in Ohio; more than 20 sites are already under contract, according to Wawa.

Wawa reports it invests over $7.5 million to build each store, and employs, on average, 140 contractors and local partners. Once the store opens, it employs an average of 35 people.

Wawa breaks ground in Kentucky and Indiana

While spreading its wings out west, Wawa has also broken ground on their fist locations in Louisville and Nicholasville, Kentucky and Indianapolis, Indiana.

The plans for Kentucky include up to 40 new store location throughout the state and up to 60 new stores projected for Indiana.