If you're not familiar with the Philadelphia-based gas station chain, you will be soon: Last year, Wawa announced plans to open up to 50 stores in Palm Beach and Broward counties over the next five years.
On Wednesday, July 13, groundbreaking celebrations took place at not one, but two future South Florida locations: Federal Highway and Sample Road in Pompano Beach and Belvedere Road and Australian Avenue in West Palm Beach.
Among the first
Further south, future
In Pompano Beach Wednesday, with shovels in hand, several members of Wawa shared their opening plans, opening schedule, and long-term growth strategy for the South Florida community.
"We are thrilled to officially break ground on our first South Florida store and look forward to growing and bringing the Wawa experience to this market," said Chris Gheysens, Wawa
Wawa is probably one of the only convenience stores on the planet with a cult following. According to Forbes, the store brings in an estimated $9 billion in revenue from fewer than 650 stores in six states, and the official Wawa account has over 1.3 million fans on Facebook, nearly 60,000 Instagram followers, and more than 160,000 Twitter followers. Founded in 1964, the Pennsylvania-based company is best known for its made-to-order hoagies, freshly prepared foods, coffee, and beverages.
Never been to Wawa before? Here's what you'll be making a 2 a.m. pit stop for in a few months:
1. Hoagies
No, not subs. Hoagies — AKA the best sandwiches, like, ever. The full menu of hoagie sandwiches is without a doubt Wawa's most popular menu item. Why? The dough is from Philadelphia's
2. Hot & Cold Prepared Food
Sure, you might not think of convenience stores as a place to find fresh food that's actually worth eating, but Wawa will surprise you. In addition to its made-to-order hoagies, Wawa offers literally dozens of other freshly prepared menu items, from soups and salads to snacks like giant soft pretzels, Buffalo chicken bites, and hot dogs. There are even comfort food favorites like macaroni and cheese (which you should seriously consider customizing) and even burrito bowls made with rice, black beans, and salsa topped with chicken or beef.
3. House Brand Drinks
If you're thirsty, Wawa has the quencher. Like most items, you can get tons of drinks at Wawa you can't get anywhere else, including the house brand iced teas, from mango and green tea to sweet and peach tea. Then there's the lemonade (and a half-and-half that's out of this world), sodas, chocolate milk — even orange juice. Don't forget the fruit and cream smoothies, including flavors from mango, peach, and bananas Foster to mint cookie and cream, chocolate chocolate chip, and caramel cream.
4. Breakfast Sandwiches
Really, you haven't lived until you've had a Bacon Croissant Sizzle. "
5. Dessert
Wawa began as a dairy farm, and its roots in the dairy business go back more than 100 years to when Wawa Dairy was founded in 1902 in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, where it bottled fresh milk products from certified Guernsey cows. Today, Wawa produces an array of amazing dairy products — like its own ice cream. Try a
6. Coffee
Ten types of lattes? Seven different hot chocolates? Four types of chai? There's a magical machine that does it all. If you prefer regular coffee, every store has an overwhelming amount of roasts and brews to choose from — and then a full refrigerated creamer and sweetener bar for customization to the max. Wawa even does this amazing thing when, every now and then, coffee is sold for $1 (any size) or just given away for free. The coffee is so good, Wawa even packages it in bags for you to bring back to brew at home, just in case you can't make it to the store that morning (or night). And just like Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts, keep an eye out for limited-time, seasonal releases like pumpkin spice.
Nicole Danna is a food writer covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her @SoFloNicole or find her latest food pics on the BPB New Times Food & Drink Instagram.
