Two respected industry players, Maverik and Wawa, each recently announced additions to their operating footprints. For Wawa, the retailer hosted a grand opening for its first site in Ohio, located in Liberty Township, while Maverik added two sites in Kansas — its first in the state.
Wawa’s Ohio Expansion
Wawa’s entrance into Ohio has been a long time coming. The retailer first announced its intentions to reach the state in September 2023, with plans to add up to 60 new Ohio stores over the next eight to 10 years.
“We’re thrilled to fly into Ohio and bring our unique combination of fresh food and beverage, convenience and service to new friends and neighbors in the Buckeye State,” said Brian Schaller, president of Wawa. “This historic milestone kicks off the next chapter of our growth in the Midwest, and we’re overjoyed at the warm welcome we continue to receive from so many communities we’re now proud to count as part of the Wawa flock.”
Wawa made its move into Ohio on a special day — Wawa Day — which takes place each year on the anniversary of its founding, April 16, 1964. To celebrate the milestone, the retailer is offering free, any-size hot coffee through April 27 at the Ohio store.
“It’s fitting that we mark our expansion into a 10th state on Wawa Day, the anniversary of our first store opening in Pennsylvania back in 1964,” continued Schaller. “Today, we not only reflect on our roots but also look forward to opening our doors in new communities like Liberty Township, Ohio, enhancing our offering and growing our Wawa Family.”
During the grand opening, The Wawa Foundation announced a $5,000 grant to the American Red Cross Central & Southern Ohio Region to support the local Sound the Alarm initiative. Another $5,000 grant was made to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to support Child Life Services.
Additionally, the Wawa Foundation launched its “Lending a Helping Hoagie” campaign, with a portion of the first week of hoagie sales in the new Liberty Township store benefitting Freestore Foodbank.
Wawa plans to open eight additional Ohio stores before the end of the year.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Wawa to Liberty Township,” said Tom Farrell, president of the Liberty Township Board of Trustees. “Their decision to open their very first Ohio location right here is a testament to the strength of our community and the continued growth we’re experiencing. Wawa’s presence adds new energy and opportunity to our local economy, and we’re excited to be part of this important milestone.”
Midwest Moves
Maverik is also building up its presence in the Midwest — on April 17, the retailer opened two new stores in Kansas, marking its entrance into its 21st state. Both located in Garden City, Kan., the stores are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.
Maverik’s new 5,982-square-foot store at 50 East Acraway Ave. showcases truck and RV fueling lanes, an RV dump and a picnic area. The second location, a 4,425-square-foot store at 2601 East Mary St., features an auto fuel forecourt and picnic area.
While it grows its footprint, however, the retailer is also increasing its focus on rebranding and modernizing existing stores. The brand recently celebrated the completion of 40 Oklahoma rebrands during a Tulsa Grand Opening event. Additionally, in early May, Maverik will mark the completion of over 25 rebrands in northwest Arkansas with a community event in Springdale, Ark.
Rebrands in Missouri and the remainder of Arkansas are still in progress, currently scheduled to conclude later this year. To date, Maverik has rebranded over 180 stores across Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri.
“As we establish the Maverik brand in Kansas and continue rebranding stores across the region, we’re excited to introduce even more customers to the freshly prepared food, award-winning facilities and adventurous spirit that set Maverik apart,” said Crystal Maggelet, Maverik’s CEO and Chief Adventure Guide. “These milestones reflect our team’s ongoing commitment to delivering an unforgettable c-store experience from the Midwest to the West Coast.”
