Wawa is opening its first-ever travel center, but it's not where you'd expect

Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, August 14th 2025 at 14:04 GMT by NJ.com
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The convenience store chain's new prototype is a larger-format location designed for travelers and truckers.

Wawa Ventures into New Territory with First-Ever Travel Plaza Opening

In a bold expansion move that signals the convenience store giant's ambition to cater to a broader audience of travelers and truckers, Wawa has announced the grand opening of its inaugural travel plaza. This development marks a significant milestone for the Pennsylvania-based chain, which has long been a staple in the Mid-Atlantic and Florida regions for its hoagies, coffee, and fuel services. The new location, situated in Jessup, Georgia, represents Wawa's first foray into the travel center format, blending the brand's signature convenience with amenities tailored for long-haul drivers and road trippers. This strategic pivot comes as Wawa continues its aggressive southward expansion, pushing beyond its traditional strongholds into new markets like Georgia, where it aims to capture the hearts—and wallets—of a diverse customer base.

The Jessup travel plaza, officially opening its doors this week, is designed to stand out in the competitive landscape of roadside stops. Spanning an impressive 13,000 square feet, the facility dwarfs many of Wawa's standard stores, offering an expansive layout that accommodates both quick pit stops and more leisurely visits. At the heart of the plaza are 16 fuel pumps for cars and an additional eight for diesel trucks, ensuring that everyone from family minivans to 18-wheelers can refuel efficiently. But Wawa isn't stopping at just gas; the site includes dedicated truck parking with over 50 spaces, high-flow diesel pumps, and even truck scales to meet the needs of commercial drivers. Inside, customers will find the familiar Wawa experience amplified: a vast selection of made-to-order food options, including the chain's beloved hoagies, breakfast sandwiches, and fresh salads, all prepared on-site. The coffee bar, a cornerstone of Wawa's appeal, features an array of specialty brews, while the store stocks an extensive range of snacks, beverages, and travel essentials like phone chargers and toiletries.

What sets this travel plaza apart is its focus on comfort and convenience for those on the move. Recognizing the demands of interstate travel, Wawa has incorporated modern touches such as clean, spacious restrooms, a lounge area for relaxation, and even outdoor seating for those wanting to stretch their legs. For truckers, who often spend hours or days on the road, the plaza provides overnight parking options, enhancing safety and convenience. This isn't just a gas station—it's a mini-oasis designed to make long journeys more bearable. Wawa executives have emphasized that this location embodies the company's core values of quality, value, and community, while adapting to the unique needs of highway travelers. "We're excited to bring the Wawa experience to a new segment of customers," a company spokesperson noted, highlighting how the plaza will serve as a "home away from home" for those traversing Georgia's busy corridors.

To understand the significance of this opening, it's worth delving into Wawa's storied history. Founded in 1964 in Folsom, Pennsylvania, Wawa started as a dairy farm before evolving into a convenience store chain renowned for its customer service and fresh food offerings. Over the decades, it has cultivated a cult-like following, particularly in states like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Florida. Fans rave about the chain's hoagies—customizable subs piled high with meats, cheeses, and toppings—and its commitment to quality ingredients. Wawa's expansion strategy has been methodical, with the company entering Florida in 2012 and steadily moving into the Southeast. The Jessup site is part of a larger push into Georgia, where Wawa plans to open multiple stores in the coming years. This travel plaza, however, is a game-changer, as it targets the lucrative truck stop market, traditionally dominated by chains like Pilot Flying J, Love's Travel Stops, and TA/Petro.

The decision to launch a travel plaza aligns with broader industry trends. As e-commerce booms and supply chains stretch across the country, the demand for reliable truck stops has surged. Truck drivers, numbering over 3.5 million in the U.S., require facilities that offer not just fuel but also rest areas, food, and maintenance services. Wawa's entry into this space could disrupt the status quo by infusing it with the chain's emphasis on fresh, affordable eats and a welcoming atmosphere. Unlike some impersonal mega-stops, Wawa prides itself on a friendly, community-oriented vibe, often reflected in its store designs and employee interactions. This Jessup location, for instance, is expected to create around 50 local jobs, boosting the economy in a region that's seeing increased traffic along Interstate 95 and other major routes.

Community leaders in Jessup have welcomed the arrival, noting the potential for increased tourism and economic activity. The plaza's strategic position near key highways makes it a natural hub for travelers heading to or from Florida, Savannah, or further afield. During the grand opening festivities, Wawa is pulling out all the stops with giveaways, free coffee, and special promotions to draw in crowds. Longtime fans from nearby states are already buzzing on social media, eager to experience this supersized version of their favorite store. One enthusiast commented online, "Wawa on steroids—can't wait to grab a hoagie and hit the road!"

Looking ahead, this travel plaza could be the blueprint for Wawa's future growth. The company has hinted at more such facilities in the pipeline, potentially in other Southern states as part of its goal to reach 1,000 stores by 2030. This expansion isn't without challenges; Wawa must navigate competition, supply chain issues, and varying state regulations. Yet, the brand's loyal following and innovative approach suggest it could redefine the travel center experience. By combining convenience with comfort, Wawa is positioning itself as more than just a stopover—it's becoming a destination in its own right.

In essence, the opening of Wawa's first travel plaza in Jessup, Georgia, is more than a new store; it's a statement of intent. It underscores the chain's adaptability and ambition to serve an ever-widening array of customers, from daily commuters to cross-country haulers. As Wawa plants its flag in new territories, it brings along the promise of quality service, delicious food, and that unmistakable sense of familiarity that has made it a beloved institution. For travelers weary from the road, this plaza offers a refreshing pit stop, proving that even in the fast lane, there's room for a little comfort and convenience. With this venture, Wawa is not just expanding its footprint—it's evolving its identity for the journeys ahead. (Word count: 912)

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