Wawa Establishes Its First Travel Center Outside New Jersey

Wawa, known for its fresh hoagies and coffee, is expanding in multiple ways. The first full-scale travel center in Wawa’s 200-year history is opening. Ironically, it won’t be in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, where the brand is strong.

Instead, Hope Mills, North Carolina, will host the milestone facility on August 28. The brand has long been part of Mid-Atlantic culture, but it is expanding into the South.

Bigger, Bolder Wawa Experience

The massive 8,000-square-foot travel hub will serve local and long-distance travelers. This differs from conventional Wawa stores. Visitors can expect larger fuelling stations, food and drinking establishments, and other amenities to improve road trips.

Buc-ee’s, Love’s, and Pilot Flying J dominate the travel stop and highway convenience market, but Wawa is becoming more competitive. Wawa intends to combine its famous fresh food and drinks with travel-friendly services to create a one-stop store for customers and tourists.

North Carolina — Why?

Choosing Hope Mills as the debut site may seem odd, but Wawa has been gently expanding in North Carolina for years. Excellent places along key interstate roads provide the state an excellent opportunity to test the travel center idea.

Wawa can also capitalize on the Southeast’s growing need for nice restaurants and gas stations. Industry analysts say North Carolina is an excellent spot for this kind of growth because its population is increasing swiftly and it’s a main Northeast–Florida route.

Not Just a Store

Wawa’s new travel center may provide its signature hoagies, salads, coffee, and smoothies. However, the added room will allow for more grab-and-go meals, more comfortable seats, and possibly more menu items for long-haul guests.

Wawa fans are excited about this new era of progress. And Wawa hopes that won’t be the last time someone tries the brand at Hope Mills.

Wawa’s huge move shows it’s ready to be more than a convenience store. It intends to dominate the travel and hotel industry by combining the warmth of a local business with the scale of a full-service travel center.

Sources:

• Wawa Corporate Announcements

• North Carolina Economic Development Reports