After its first Georgia store debuted Nov. 14 at 1401 Tallahassee Highway in Bainbridge, Wawa says it plans to open two additional sites in the state by the end of 2024 – at U.S. 341 and Community Road in Brunswick and 356 West Orange St. in Jesup.
“We are thrilled to open three stores this year to bring our investment in Georgia to life,” said Brian Schaller, president of Wawa, a family-owned, Pennsylvania-based chain of more than 1,080 convenience stores.
“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.”
[RELATED: Work Underway On First Wawa Stores In Kentucky]
The 2024 store grand openings will each feature special events introducing Wawa to the community, sharing details of its expansion plans and welcoming customers, local officials and charity partners. Wawa and The Wawa Foundation also will announce commitments and support to community organizations.
At the three openings this year, contributions will be made to Second Harvest of Georgia and Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia to support local initiatives, as well as provide relief from the impact of Hurricane Helene. Grants from the Wawa Foundation will total $30,000 in support to the food banks.
In 2025, Wawa plans to open five to six additional stores across South Georgia – in Albany, Hinesville, Pooler, Valdosta and Waycross. Over the next five to eight years, Wawa plans to build and open more than 26 stores the Peach State, at the pace of about three to four stores per year.
To build each store, Wawa will invest about $7.5 million and employ, on average, 140 contractors and local partners. Once open, each store will have an average of 35 employees, with Wawa expecting to create nearly 900 long-term new jobs.
