The atmosphere at the Cottage Hill Road and Sollie Road intersection in west Mobile was nothing short of festive.
At 8 a.m., a crowd of excited locals had already formed, ready to be part of the celebration.
The Excelsior Band added a lively touch with their music, and Wawa’s mascot, Wally Goose, brought smiles as people danced and snapped photos.
The sense of community was palpable, as friends and families lined up to enjoy free coffee and Wawa’s famous made-to-order hoagies.
Local leaders couldn’t help but share in the excitement.
Ala. Rep. Margie Wilcox expressed her amazement at the turnout, saying, “It’s incredible, the amount of people and the devotion. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson echoed her sentiments, calling the event “amazing.”
Wawa’s Big Plans for Alabama
Wawa is just getting started in Alabama, and Thursday’s openings are only the beginning.
After cutting the ribbon at the Cottage Hill Road store, the celebrations continued at Wawa’s second Alabama location in Robertsdale.
Director of Store Operations Joe Collins shared even more exciting news: Mobile’s second Wawa store will open at Schillinger Road before the year’s end, and Fairhope will get its second store early in 2025.
Collins also revealed plans for additional stores in Semmes and Daphne by mid-2025.
But that’s not all—Wawa’s vision for the region is expansive.
“We’re going to open 40 stores in the Florida Panhandle and south Alabama markets, at least, before all is done,” Collins said.
For fans of Wawa, this is a dream come true, and it’s just the start of a long relationship between the community and the brand.
Giving Back: Wawa’s Heart for the Gulf Coast
Wawa isn’t just about great food and convenient service; they also believe in giving back.
As part of the grand opening celebrations, the Wawa Foundation generously donated $10,000 to Feeding the Gulf Coast, helping to support local families in need.
The festivities continued with a fun and friendly competition: the “Hoagies for Heroes” sandwich-making contest.
The Mobile Fire Rescue Department and Mobile Police Department went head-to-head, crafting as many hoagies as possible within the time limit.
The police team came out on top, but both departments were winners in the end, each receiving a $1,000 donation for their chosen charities.
The police team’s contribution went to the Mobile Law Enforcement Foundation, while the fire team’s went to the Dumas Wesley Community Center.
What This Means for US
Wawa’s expansion in Alabama is more than just a business move; it’s a celebration of community and convenience.
For residents, it means easy access to high-quality, affordable food and fuel.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee on your way to work or stopping in for a delicious hoagie after a long day, Wawa is here to make your daily routine a little brighter.
With more stores on the way, Wawa is set to become a staple in the everyday lives of many Alabamians.
And with their commitment to giving back, they’re proving that they’re not just in the community—they’re part of it.
So, the next time you pass by a Wawa, stop in and enjoy a taste of something special.
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