Convenience retail store chain Wawa will expand westward to new states, namely Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and previously announced Tennessee, releasing an official press release on Dec 7, 2022.

Wawa’s expansion west is a part of their plan to double their current amount of stores by 2030, in contrast to the closing of several locations in Philadelphia following a high rate of incidents of theft.

New locations are expected to open in 2025, with more information coming in 2023. Other expansions in adjacent markets in the Florida Panhandle, Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia, with stores projected to open in 2024.

“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, President and CEO of Wawa in a press release.

“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.”

In an effort to meet community interests, Wawa has begun accepting suggestions from real estate representatives in all locations, in both adjacent market areas and in the new market areas.

“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 of 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!”