Wawa's 60th Anniversary Milestone: Soaring Growth and Community Commitment in 2024

WawaPhoto byTAnthony at English Wikipedia

In the world of convenience retail, Wawa shines brightly as a symbol of community, top-notch service, and culinary creativity. As it marks its 60th year in 2024, Wawa not only celebrates a rich heritage of excellence but also embarks on an exciting trajectory of expansion. With ambitious plans to introduce more than 70 new stores, including debut locations in Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina, Wawa's growth not only promises greater accessibility but also reaffirms its dedication to nurturing local economies and championing community causes.

About Wawa, Inc.: A Legacy of Innovation and Service

Wawa, Inc., a privately held company with roots dating back to 1803 as an iron foundry in New Jersey, has evolved into a cornerstone of convenience retail. Founded on the principles of quality and innovation, Wawa ventured into dairy farming in the late 19th century, establishing a processing plant in Wawa, PA, in 1902. With the decline of home milk delivery in the 1960s, Grahame Wood seized the opportunity to transform the family business, opening the first Wawa Food Market in 1964. Today, Wawa stands as an all-day destination for freshly prepared foods, beverages, coffee, and fuel services across nearly 1,000 locations nationwide, earning recognition as one of America's Largest Private Companies according to Forbes.com and solidifying its position as a leader in the convenience retail industry.

Grand Opening Festivities for Every Location

• Join Wawa's General Manager and new store team at 7:45 a.m. for the thrilling countdown to the store's grand opening at 8:00 a.m.
• Be among the first 100 customers to receive exclusive "Wawa 60th Anniversary in Your Era" t-shirts, while enjoying complimentary hot coffee on opening day.
• Experience the excitement of the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:30 a.m., featuring Wawa's beloved mascot Wally Goose, oversized scissors, and vibrant fanfare.
• Witness the camaraderie as local first responders participate in the Hoagies for Heroes hoagie-building competition, competing for a grand trophy and $1,000 donation to their charity of choice.

About the New Store

• Wawa store locations have an average size of approximately 5,000 square feet, featuring 12 MPDs on its fuel court with the iconic Wawa fuel canopy.
• Explore a fully equipped, built-to-order fresh food kitchen offering Wawa's signature hoagies alongside innovative menu items like Wawa pizza and burgers.
• Indulge in the renowned Wawa coffee, with a staggering 195 million cups sold annually, alongside the popular Sizzli hot breakfast sandwich and a diverse range of specialty beverages.
• Enjoy the convenience of Wawa's mobile ordering, curbside pickup, and delivery options, as well as the newly introduced Catering Online service.

Career Opportunities: Soar with Wawa

• Wawa's expansion initiatives will pave the way for thousands of new jobs and career pathways, offering opportunities for growth and advancement.
• Joining the Wawa team means becoming part of a cherished tradition of success spanning decades and across multiple states, embodying a commitment to community and excellence.
• Associates enjoy a supportive team culture, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional development.
• As an employee-owned company, Wawa associates have a vested interest in the company's success, owning 39% through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Explore career opportunities at Wawa and discover firsthand accounts of fulfilling careers through the "Soar with Wawa Video Gallery."
• Recognized as a Best Employer by Forbes and acclaimed for exceptional customer service, Wawa offers a culture where associates lead the way in bringing joy to communities and fostering lasting relationships through volunteerism and charitable endeavors.

Community Support

• Wawa and The Wawa Foundation are dedicated to strengthening communities, providing support to over 6,000 local non-profit partners each year.
• Since 2014, Wawa and The Wawa Foundation have collectively contributed more than $150 million to organizations focusing on health, hunger relief, and honoring everyday heroes.
• At every grand opening, Wawa pays tribute to first responders through the "Hoagies for Heroes" competition, donating $1,000 to each department's chosen charity for the winner.
• Wawa contributes $120,000 annually to charities across its chain, recognizing the invaluable contributions of everyday heroes.
• The Wawa Foundation conducts in-store fundraising campaigns benefiting its seven National Partners, including the American Red Cross, Children’s Miracle Network, and the USO, among others.

This article originally appeared on Probe the Globe.