Wawa plans to build 40 Kentucky stores: Details on opening, where in Lexington
Like a flock of geese heading south, Wawa is coming to Kentucky.
The popular Pennsylvania-based convenience store and gas station chain with a flying goose as its logo is planning to build at 40 stores across Kentucky over the next eight to 10 years, with the first location expected to open in 2025, the company announced on Tuesday. Construction is expected to begin in mid-2024.
In total, the company plans to invest more than $280 million in the state and will create more than 1,400 new jobs. The opening of each store location will hire about 35 associates.
“These are important new markets for us,” said Wawa CEO Chris Gheysens, who also goes by the title of Lead Goose. “It’s important for us to make a good impression right out of the gate with what Wawa is all about.”
Executives from Wawa unveiled plans in Lexington and in Louisville at events with contributions totaling more than $22,000 to regional community partners Kentucky Special Olympics, Dare to Care Food Pantry and God’s Pantry Food Bank.
More than 15 sites are already under contract in Fayette, Boone, Bullitt, Hardin, Jefferson, Jessamine, Oldham, Scott, Shelby and Warren counties, according to the company.
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Where will Wawa stores be in Kentucky?
The only Lexington location identified publicly so far is one proposed as part of a new Anderson Communities development at 4075 Old Richmond Rd., across from Jacobson Park. In August, the Lexington Fayette Urban County Planning Commission gave initial approval for the zone change despite widespread opposition from neighbors. The plan still must come before the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council for final approval.
A location also has been approved for U.S. 27 in Nicholasville and at least one store has been approved in Louisville.
On Tuesday, Wawa said that two locations are in the works in Scott County: One at McClelland Circle/ and Main and another at McClelland and Frankfort Pike.
What makes Wawa so popular?
Gheysens said that Wawa, which is an employee-owned company, has a unique relationship with customers, many of whom stop by over and over.
“It’s really the experience that Wawa associates have with our customers and the bond they create. Wawa customers create habits, and they often stop there multiple times a day,” he said. “It’s just a different experience at a Wawa.”
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Besides fast service, customers count on clean restrooms and convenience: The ATMs have no up-front charge and there’s always free air for tires.
But he stressed that the difference really comes from the people who work there.
“Employees are the secret sauce of Wawa,” Gheysens said.
What is on the Wawa food menu?
The menu is broad, with options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and in between, he said.
There’s the famous Wawa Sizzli, a breakfast sandwich that you can get multiple ways. And the hoagies are huge. The Italian and turkey and cheese are the most popular, followed by the hot meatball hoagie with melted provolone.
Customers also love seasonal sandwiches like the Gobbler, made with turkey, stuffing and cranberry, he said.
You also can get freshly made smoothies and milkshakes, as well as iced and hot coffee options.
And they’re adding new items: Pizza is launching, available after 4 p.m. with other new dinner offers.
Healthy options and dietary accommodations also are available. There also are in-store kiosks that offer extreme customization.
“One thing customers have told us time and time again is they really appreciate making Wawa products exactly the way they want,” Gheysens said.
Herald-Leader reporter Beth Musgrave contributed to this report.
