Wawa Announces Expansion Into Midwest

Pennsylvania-based convenience chain Wawa has its sights set on the Midwest. The retailer plans to launch stores in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky in the coming years, giving customers in those markets access to the chain’s private label products.

The market expansions will take place sometime after 2025 with estimated time frames and ranges for number of stores by state to be announced next year.

“At Wawa, growth means strengthening our existing markets as well as expanding to both adjacent and new markets so we can reach new friends and neighbors and welcome them as part of our extended family,” said Chris Gheysens, Wawa’s president and CEO. “These markets are the perfect places for Wawa to expand based on their strong business communities, their family-like atmosphere, and the confidence that our unique offer and amazing associates will be welcomed by these communities. We look forward to bringing our freshly prepared food, specialty beverages, fuel, and convenience services to these new areas all while creating new jobs and meaningful community support.”

Wawa currently operates nearly 1,000 locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida and Washington, D.C. The chain had previously announced plans to expand into Alabama, North Carolina and Georgia, with those stores projected to open in 2024.

“We have received thousands of requests over the years to spread our wings further west! We couldn’t be more excited to announce our growth plans in these markets as we will soon serve more people in new communities with our unique brand and offer,” said John Poplawski, vice president of Real Estate for Wawa. “We can’t wait to reconnect with those that know us from existing markets and meet new friends and neighbors come 2025 and beyond!"