Wawa shared new details on its expansion into eastern North Carolina during its double-header Community Partnership Events. The company is a privately held, associate- and family-owned chain of more than 1,000 convenience retail stores operating in six states and Washington, D.C.,
Wawa’s initial phase of expansion into North Carolina includes plans to open about 80 stores across the eastern region of the state over the next 10 years, with the first eight stores opening in 2024.
While exact grand opening dates have not yet been determined, the following eight locations will have Wawa stores opening in 2024:
- N. Croatan Highway and W 4th St. in Kill Devil Hills;
- Halstead Boulevard and Route 17 in Elizabeth City;
- Raleigh Road Parkway and Hayes Place in Wilson;
- Ward Road and Nash Street in Wilson;
- Benvenue Road and Jeffreys Road in Rocky Mount;
- Wayne Memorial Drive and Hospital Road in Goldsboro;
- Stantonsburg Road and Moye Boulevard in Greenville; and
- U.S. Hwy. 70 and NC Hwy. 581 in Goldsboro.
In addition to the stores set to open in 2024, Wawa has more than 30 sites under contract going through local approval processes. It expects to open up to 15 stores in 2025 and 10 stores in 2026.
Details on Wawa’s growth plans for North Carolina were announced during its double-header Community Partnership events on Oct. 25 at the Greenville Convention Center and Casita Brewing Co. in Wilson. These events introduced Wawa to the community and allowed company leaders to connect with local officials and partners.
In addition, attendees received a glimpse of new store design renderings and had the opportunity to hear about its history, offerings and commitment to its local communities, including new partnerships and organizations.
“We were thrilled to share our ‘flight plan’ for North Carolina and reveal, for the very first time, our exciting expansion plans, renderings and more with our newest soon-to-be neighbors,” said Kim Dowgielewicz, director of store operations.
“Our Community Partnership events also gave us the opportunity to meet new community members and talk a little bit about our history and what makes Wawa such an ideal fit for communities in this region.
“As we get closer to our grand openings in 2024, we will be sharing even more details on our growth in North Carolina, all while connecting with more customers, communities, partners and nonprofit organizations.”
Wawa also announced $10,000 to two regional community partners: the USO of North Carolina and the Food Bank of Eastern and Central North Carolina.
Read more c-store news from The Shelby Report.
