Wawa, Pa. — Wawa, a privately held, associate and family-owned chain of more than 1,080 convenience retail stores currently operating in eight states and Washington, D.C., opened its first Georgia store on Nov. 14, in Bainbridge. Before the end of 2024, Wawa will open two more stores in the Peach State (in Brunswick and Jesup).
“It’s official — Wawa is opening our doors to serve our newest friends and neighbors in Georgia!” says Brian Schaller, 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.”
By the end of 2024, Wawa will have three stores open and serving Georgia in Bainbridge, Brunswick and Jesup. In 2025, Wawa will open 5-6 additional stores in Hinesville, Pooler, Waycross, Valdosta and Albany. Over the next 5-8 years, Wawa plans to build and open more than 26 stores in Georgia, at the pace of around 3-4 stores per year. To build each store, Wawa 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 associates, with Wawa expecting to create almost 900 long term new jobs.
Wawa, Inc., a privately held company, began in 1803 as an iron foundry in New Jersey. Toward the end of the 19th century, owner George Wood took an interest in dairy farming and the family began a small processing plant in Wawa, Pa., in 1902. Grahame Wood, George’s grandson, opened the first Wawa Food Market in 1964 in Pennsylvania as an outlet for dairy products. Today, Wawa stores are located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia and Washington, D.C.
SOURCE Wawa, Inc.