Back in February 2024, Wawa released a statement with CEO Chris Gheysens noting that the company would be undergoing “the most aggressive growth” in company history. At the time of the announcement, Wawa planned to add more than 280 new stores to its network over the next decade — a goal that the chain continues to make strong progress on.
Not only does Wawa aim to grow, it wants to broaden to new markets and bolster its presence in key states, including Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.
Since that announcement, Wawa has officially expanded to two new states — Georgia and Alabama. It also recently opened its first store in the Tallahassee, Fla., market, in addition to its first site in central Pennsylvania.
Perhaps the most notable expansion so far has been the Georgia move, which is the chain’s ninth operating state. In November 2024, Wawa opened its first Georgia store in Bainbridge, and announced two more in Brunswick and Jesup, while revealing plans to open 23 more in the coming years.
The most recent site just opened in Hinesville, Ga., with the company’s website noting that the ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Feb. 20.
“It’s official — Wawa is opening our doors to serve our newest friends and neighbors in Georgia,” said Brian Schaller at the time of the announcement, president of Wawa. “We are thrilled to open three stores this year to bring our investment in Georgia to life. These events will also give us the opportunity to share a little bit about our history and culture that is what makes Wawa such an ideal fit for communities here. Over the next few years, we will be continuing to expand and invest in the region as we build new stores and connect with new customers in more Georgia communities.”
Wawa plans to introduce Georgia stores at a rate of three to four stores per year over the next five to eight years. To build each store, the company will invest approximately $7.5 million and employ, on average, 140 contractors and local partners.
Once open, each store will employ an average of 35 employees, with Wawa expecting to create almost 900 long-term new jobs.
Wawa’s next ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 27 in Hanover, Pa. The retailer also currently has sites in development in Coal Township, Pa., Newton Township, Pa., and the aforementioned locations in Brunswick and Jesup, Ga.
Expect to see more stores opening up in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, North Carolina and Alabama in the coming years.
Stay tuned for more updates on Wawa’s expansion from CStore Decisions.
