WEST VIRGINIA - Wawa's beloved convenience store and gas station chain is officially expanding into the Mountain State. In a much-anticipated move, Wawa held a groundbreaking ceremony on August 14, 2024, for its first-ever West Virginia store in Inwood (Berkeley County). This event marks a significant step in Wawa's continued growth into new markets. It brings its unique blend of fresh food, coffee, and convenience to West Virginian residents for the first time.
Wawa Makes History: Groundbreaking for First-Ever West Virginia Store in Inwood
The inaugural West Virginia Wawa will be situated at Rt. 51 Bypass near Route 11 in Inwood.
- Projected Opening: The store will open in the first quarter of 2025.
- Community Introduction: The groundbreaking event served as an official introduction to the community, featuring Wawa leadership, local officials, VIP customers, and charity partners. Attendees were treated to a "Taste of Wawa," including samples of signature hoagies, pretzels, teas, and lemonades.
What This Means for West Virginia:
The arrival of Wawa in West Virginia brings more than just another convenience store. Residents can look forward to:
- Wawa's Signature Offerings: Access to Wawa's renowned built-to-order hoagies, fresh-brewed coffee, Sizzli® breakfast sandwiches, specialty beverages, and a wide array of convenience items.
- Fuel Services: The new location will also include gasoline pumps.
- Job Creation: Wawa's expansion is expected to create new job opportunities in the area. Each new store typically employs an average of 35 associates, and the company invests approximately $7 million to build each location, utilizing local contractors and partners.
- Community Partnership: Wawa is known for its commitment to community engagement, often supporting local charities and initiatives. The Inwood groundbreaking included check presentations to local charity partners, including WVU Medicine Children's Hospital through the Children's Miracle Network.
Broader Expansion Plans:
The Inwood store is just the beginning of Wawa's plans for the Mountain State and surrounding regions.
- Eastern Panhandle Growth: Wawa leadership announced plans for 3-5 new stores in the Berkeley and Jefferson County markets over the next 3-5 years. Specific future locations include Ranson and sites on Apple Harvest Drive and Rock Cliff Drive in Martinsburg.
- Regional Expansion: This move into West Virginia is part of Wawa's broader strategy to expand into new states, including recent entries and planned growth in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina, as it aims to double its store count by 2030 nearly.
A Welcome Addition:
"It's official! Wawa is expanding to West Virginia, and we are thrilled to continue growing in new markets to provide the community with our one-of-a-kind offer and commitment to supporting the community," said John Poplawski, Vice President of Real Estate for Wawa, at the groundbreaking. "We are excited to start construction on our first West Virginia store and look forward to our grand openings in early 2025 when we can begin serving this wonderful community."
The groundbreaking of Wawa's first West Virginia store in Inwood marks an exciting new chapter for the popular chain and for residents of the Eastern Panhandle. With its commitment to fresh food, quality service, and community partnership, Wawa is poised to become a beloved fixture in the Mountain State, bringing its unique convenience store experience to a brand-new audience starting in early 2025.
