Snowbirds rejoice! Wawa is coming to South Alabama

Talk to snowbirds from New Jersey or Pennsylvania  who reside in Coastal Alabama over the winter, they will tell you one thing — they miss the local Wawa,.

Thanks to an announcement by Wawa headquarters this week, beginning in 2024, local snowbirds yearning for a Wawa coffee in the morning or a fresh hoagie or sub help is on the way.

Coming to South Alabama

The popular, super-sized convenience store, which has nearly 1000 locations scattered across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida and Washington, D.C. is coming to South Alabama.

In a news statement, Wawa released plans to expand their footprint into the Florida Panhandle region along with adjacent markets in South Alabama. Current plans are for Wawa to open up to 40 stores in these markets with the first stores expected to open in 2024.

“Over the years, we’ve been delighted to hear from so many people from so many areas, who are interested in having a Wawa closer to home. We couldn’t be more excited to bring Wawa’s one-of-a-kind brand and offering to these new markets in the near future,” said John Poplawski, Vice President of Real Estate for Wawa. “We look forward to expanding beyond our current reach and serving these new markets with our quality fresh food and beverages and, as always, our deep commitment to the communities in which we operate.”

Cult-Like Following

America’s 29th largest private company, according to Forbes, Wawa is adding its 250th store in Florida later this year.  It has a cult-like following, much like the Texas-based Buc-ee’s stores  that moved into the Yellowhammer State over the past few years.

Stay tuned to The Bama Buzz for future Wawa development and opening news in the coming months. 

Excited about Wawa coming to Alabama? Have you ever been to one? Tell us what makes them special on social media by tagging us at @thebamabuzz