Wawa is building off of its strong 2025 momentum with the announcement that it will open its first Indiana c-store on May 15, in Daleville. The retailer has planned a “Taste of Wawa” preview event at the site for May 14.
“We are excited to fly into Indiana and bring our unique combination of fresh food and beverage convenience service to this state for the very first time,” said Brian Schaller, president of Wawa.
Wawa intends to open 10 new Indiana c-stores this year, and eventually 60 stores statewide, according to The Star Press.
The retailer reported that each new store will employ an average of 140 contractors, in addition to 35 full-time employees once opened. Wawa invests roughly $7.5 million on each location.
Wawa’s Busy 2025
Just last week, Wawa officially opened its first store in Ohio, situated in Liberty Township. 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.
“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,” said Schaller at the time.
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.”
Expanding Distribution
To go alongside its Ohio expansion, Wawa also recently announced an expanded partnership with McLane, one of the largest distributors in the U.S. The move supports Wawa’s growth in the Midwest, Mid Atlantic and Northeast regions.
McLane’s Bluegrass distribution center, located in Hebron, Ky., will serve new Wawa locations in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio as the chain continues to expand in those states.
“We’re proud to have served as a dedicated partner alongside Wawa over the years,” said Vito Maurici, McLane’s chief customer experience officer. “With this expanded partnership, we remain committed to supporting Wawa’s growth as a leader in convenience retail and foodservice through our robust network and product offerings.”
McLane and Wawa have a successful history of working together for more than 20 years, with McLane now servicing over 1,100 Wawa stores out of distribution centers in Kentucky, Virginia, New Jersey and Florida.
“It’s been 60 years since our first store opened, and our vision then was a new kind of convenience store, fulfilling lives by providing customers with fast, friendly service and fresh products that deliver value,” said Brian Schaller, president of Wawa. “As Wawa expands into new markets, our partnership with partners like McLane helps us scale our best-in-class foodservice program, support our growth and fulfill our commitment to delighting customers.”
