Wawa makes bold move deep into Sheetz territory in Pennsylvania
Some thought it would never happen, but Wawa is pushing closer to central Pennsylvania and competitor Sheetz’s turf.
The suburban Philadelphia convenience store chain known for hoagies, coffee and breakfast sandwiches announced Thursday it’s expanding closer to the center of the state.
Wawa, the eastern rival in the Keystone State convenience store wars to Sheetz, said it plans to double its store count over the next three to five years in the region with the first store opening possibly in 2024. It said it aims to potentially open 40 stores in central Pennsylvania.
“With a commitment to fulfilling lives, we’re thrilled to continue our growth and expansion in our existing markets to provide quality fresh food, beverages and support to the community,” John Poplawski, vice president of real estate for Wawa, said in a statement. “In addition, Wawa’s continued expansion will mean even more convenience and new jobs in the central Pennsylvania community.”
Wawa operates stores on the eastern side of Pennsylvania with none west of the Susquehanna River. A Wawa store is coming to a retail and residential development in Mount Joy Township, just east of Elizabethtown in Lancaster County.
Right now, the chain is concentrating on expansion in the Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama and North Carolina. Its newest prototype focuses on drive-thru only locations.
In Pennsylvania, one of the most heated debate centers around Sheetz vs. Wawa. Some believe the two powerhouses signed a gentleman’s agreement to not encroach on each other’s territory but that has largely been unfounded.
The Altoona-based Sheetz and Wawa have been building stores along the Lancaster and Berks county lines. Sheetz remains dominant in the Harrisburg region. Wawa operates stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida and Washington, D.C.
Wawa is asking for help to find potential sites for stores. Those with ideas can submit them to Wawa via an online form.