Wawa Was Named The US's Favorite Convenience Store, But A Study Finds That It Isn't FL's Favorite

Photo byMontgomery County Planning Commission, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

After writing articles about Buc-ee's and Wawa on Newsbreak, I am now convinced that Floridians are beginning to embrace shopping for items that aren't gas at gas stations - sometimes even food. Some in the Sunshine State are content to get meals or snacks at gas stations like Buc-ee's and Wawa. However, although Wawa is reportedly the nation's favorite gas station per one study, it is not Florida's, according to another study. Let's have a look.

The American Customer Satisfaction Index: In early October of 2024, the American Customer Satisfaction Index released findings from its survey that determined what it felt was the nation's favorite convenience store.

To do so, it looked at 5,710 completed surveys. In the end, Wawa earned 82 out of 100 points, which put it in first place and made it Florida's favorite convenience store. QuikTrip came in second and Buc-ee's came in third.

Looking at reviews for Wawa from Floridians, it becomes clear that many Floridians embrace the chain. A reviewer named Douglas had this to say about a Tampa location:

"As far as gas stations and quick convenience stores (go,) Wawa is out to prove they are the best. This is definitely the nicest gas station you will likely find down Dale Maby Hwy for 15 miles in either direction. The convenience store is huge!"

The Data Pandas Survey: In 2024, data analytics company Data Panda used public data to identify the favorite gas stations of each state. It turns out that Florida's favorite was also a convenience store - 7-11. Shell came in second and Buc-ee's came in third.

More Floridians have access to more 7-11 and Shell stores than Buc-ee's. There are currently only two Buc-ee's in Florida - although two more are planned.

The arrival of Buc-ee's caused a good deal of excitement in 2021 when Governor Ron DeSantis appeared at the ribbon cutting of a Daytona Beach location.

The author is not affiliated with any gas stations or convenience stores.