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The much-anticipated opening date for Alabama's first Wawa store has finally been set. Wawa, known for its wide selection of groceries and popular custom-made sandwiches, revealed plans two years ago to expand its reach.
Traditionally found along the East Coast, the chain spreads into the Florida Panhandle and the central Gulf Coast. This move marks a significant step in bringing its beloved offerings to new communities.
Wawa's Alabama Debut Set for April
In June 2023, Wawa began constructing its inaugural Alabama store on the south side of Fairhope at 18968 Greeno Road, close to Fairhope High School. Officials from the company had previously indicated that the store was expected to open its doors in the second quarter of 2024. True to their word, the grand opening has been scheduled for April 25.
The latest update reveals that the new store will welcome customers starting at 8 a.m. on that day. Celebrations will continue with a ribbon-cutting ceremony slated for 10 a.m., marking a significant milestone for Wawa as it expands its footprint into Alabama.
Robert Yeatts, Senior Director of Store Operations at Wawa, expressed the company's enthusiasm about serving the Alabama community. "We're really looking forward to opening our doors to our new friends and neighbors in Alabama. We're excited to give our new customers a taste of our unique selection of fresh food and drinks and the convenience they love," Yeatts said.
He added, "With the opening of each new location, we're not just offering a new level of convenience; we're also committing to being a strong and dedicated partner to the community."
Wawa Celebrates 60 Years of Community Service
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In a news release, Chris Gheysens, CEO of Wawa, shared, "For 60 years, since our very first store opened, it has been a privilege to serve our communities. We've offered quality products and convenience and a place of comfort and friendship for our local friends and neighbors."
He continued, "We take pride in making people's days brighter. As we expand, we commit to enriching lives with every new store we open and are excited to be a part of the community for many more years."
Officials noted that each new Wawa store creates at least 35 local, long-term jobs and helps raise millions of dollars for community benefits through in-store fundraising efforts.
Wawa's journey began with its first Food Market in Pennsylvania in 1964. Today, it boasts nearly 1,000 stores in various locations.
Wawa has announced plans to launch as many as ten new stores in Baldwin and Mobile counties over the coming years. Each store is expected to employ around 35 people.
In addition, Wawa is set to open a new store in Fairhope and plans additional locations in Mobile and Robertsdale this summer. However, specific opening dates have not been announced yet. The company aims to launch seven to ten stores in the Baldwin County and Mobile areas within the next three to four years.
As stated in a company press release, each store will, on average, employ about 35 people. This expansion strategy is expected to create hundreds of long-term job opportunities for Alabama residents.
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