Wawa stores have an almost cult-like following. Here's what Pensacolians should know

Wawa is heading to Pensacola in 2024 and has many excited to either finally have the chance to check out what WaWa's cult-like following raves about or visit without having to drive 340 mile to the nearest store.

Wawa executives announced in February that they plan to open two stores in Pensacola and an additional three to four sites are under consideration.

Construction is expected to begin this year, and the stores are scheduled to open in 2024.

Here’s what to know about Wawa stores.

Where is Wawa going in Pensacola?

Two Wawa stores are expected to open in Pensacola, one at the corner of West Nine Mile and Beulah roads, and another at U.S. Highway 98 and North Blue Angel Parkway, in 2024.

Wawa stores in Pensacola: It's finally happening! Wawa is building two stores in Pensacola.

What is Wawa? Why is Wawa famous?

Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, a Wawa offers all the things you'd expect from a convenience store — snacks, lottery tickets, drinks, tobacco, gas (at most locations), etc. — but they also offer a larger variety of fresh food than most fast-food restaurants such as their made-to-order, fan-favorite hoagies and the hot breakfast "Sizzli" sandwiches. More on all that later.

Wawas also are famous for customer service, scrupulously clean bathrooms, decent gas prices, free air for your tires and no-charge ATMs. They're a comforting presence for travelers and a community hub for neighborhoods. And in 2022 Forbes ranked them #12 in their Halo 100 list of brands that consumers love.

What does "Wawa" mean? What is Wawa short for?

"Wawa" is an Ojibwe Native American word that translates, more or less, as “Canada goose." It's also the name of the town where this version of the company developed and where the corporate offices still reside. That's also why there's a goose on the company's corporate logo.

It's pronounced to rhyme with "saw-saw," and the second w is never capitalized.

How did Wawa get started?

As a successful iron foundry in New Jersey in 1803, in fact. But by the late 1800s the Wood family was spending a lot of time vacationing around Philadelphia and got to like the rural areas. George Wood, who was interested in dairy farming, bought a red-roofed Victorian home in Wawa, Pennsylvania, and the Wood family went into the dairy processing business promising safe and certified-sanitary milk.

That promise, at a time when safe milk was hard to come by, and their later milk delivery service, made them hugely successful right up to the 1950s and 1960s when the proliferation of grocery stores and corner markets undercut delivery. So the family pivoted and George's grandson Grahame Wood opened the first Wawa Food Market in 1964.

They've grown a bit since then, recently opening their 1,000th store in Oaklyn, New Jersey, in late April.

Wawa stores expanding in Florida: Popular convenience store chain Wawa eyes Pensacola-area locations, opening by 2024

Where was the first Wawa store in Florida?

The first Wawa in Florida opened on July 18, 2012, in Orlando, across from SeaWorld.

How many Wawas are there in Florida?

According to Wawa, they'll be opening their 250th location in the state in South Florida by the end of February. That means about 25% of all the Wawa locations are here, with nearly 20 more listed as opening in 2023 on their "coming soon" page. Wawa employs nearly 10,000 associates across the state.

What's so great about Wawa's hoagies?

Named America's favorite sandwich shop in a 2018 survey, Wawa may be the only company that can rival Publix in Florida for devoted big-sandwich fans.

Wawa started selling made-to-order sandwiches, including hoagies, in 1972. In a 2017 review, Business Insider reporters Kate Taylor and Hollis Johnson described the hoagies like so:

"The humble hoagie is one of the main attractions at Wawa, and it does not disappoint," they wrote. "Served warm and well-toasted, with melty mozzarella and spongy yet hardy bread, the meatball hoagie is on the same level of quality as your favorite local deli."

Mostly it's the level of customization and good ingredients, and it's easy to order because Wawa was one of the first places to use self-serve, touch-screen menus. Step up to an ordering kiosk and look over the hot and cold possibilities. Meatball, cheesesteak, tuna salad, different kinds of chicken, pulled pork, veggie, even brisket and more, plus your favorite fixings.

Place your order, pay at the register, get your sandwich. There will be a bit of a wait, depending on how busy they are, but no more than, say, Firehouse Subs.

What else can I order at a Wawa?

It may take some time to go over your options. Wawa offers a wide array of prepackaged food and breakfast pastries, all fresh and relatively inexpensive. The drinks section — most of one wall — offers lots of different coffee, latte, chai tea, espresso, lemonade and soft drink choices (Their coffee is 100% sustainably sourced through the Rainforest Alliance).

But if you're looking for something other than a hoagie, the kiosk has you covered. Paninis, quesadillas, chalupas and more. Sandwiches stacked, club or deli. Multiple soups and salads. Sizzli breakfast sandwiches on bagels, croissants, biscuits, in burritos, or, if you dare, between two pancakes. After 4 p.m. in some locations, the dinner menu begins and you can order burgers, rotisserie chicken or pasta.

Does Wawa offer online ordering, curbside pickup, or delivery?

Yes! Open the Wawa app and choose Curbside Pickup or Delivery, then confirm your store. You can choose to get it right away or schedule it for later. Some locations may not offer all the options.

Does Wawa cater?

It does indeed, with hot trays of hoagies and soup, bundles of cookies and more for your next gathering. Catering is available in all locations.

Does Wawa have a secret menu?

Of course, Wawa has a secret menu.

Head to the touch screen kiosk, look around to make sure no one's watching, and tap the goose icon on the bottom left-hand corner. You should see a new screen, with secret items available during special times through the year, such as the Rainbow Bagel, the Birthday Cake milkshake and Birthday Cake smoothie, colorful lemonades, and a whole range of Halloween items like the Graveyard Smash chocolate cookie and cream smoothie covered in gummy worms.

Contributor: Chris Bridges - USA Today Network-Florida

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: What are Wawa stores? What to know before stores open in Pensacola