Exciting Day in Kill Devil Hills: Wawa Breaks Ground on Its First North Carolina Store!

Exciting Day in Kill Devil Hills: Wawa Breaks Ground on Its First North Carolina Store!

Kill Devil Hills, a charming beach town on the Outer Banks, was buzzing with excitement recently as Wawa, the beloved convenience store chain, officially broke ground on its very first location in North Carolina. This significant milestone isn’t just about new bricks and mortar; it’s about building connections, supporting communities, and bringing a taste of Wawa’s unique offerings to new neighbors.

A Ceremony to Remember

On a bright day filled with smiles and anticipation, the groundbreaking event brought together over 50 VIP customers, local officials, community partners, and Wawa’s own team. Guests gathered not only to witness the ceremonial shoveling of dirt but also to learn more about Wawa’s ambitious expansion plans. Representatives shared their excitement about bringing the Wawa experience to North Carolina, reinforcing the company’s commitment to building relationships and investing in the community.

What’s Next for Wawa?

The new Kill Devil Hills store is set to open its doors in the first quarter of 2024. But that’s just the beginning! Attendees got the scoop on Wawa’s ongoing growth, including plans to break ground on another store this year at Halstead Boulevard & Rt. 17 in Elizabeth City. Furthermore, Wawa has plans for a community partnership day in Fall 2023, where they will unveil expansion timelines for stores in Wilson and Greenville. It’s safe to say this will be an ongoing adventure, and the excitement is only heating up!

Sharing the Wawa Love

While the excitement about the new store was palpable, it was also a day for giving. During the ceremony, Wawa announced a generous donation of $3,000 distributed between two regional community partners: the Coast Guard Foundation and Dare County Special Olympics. The Coast Guard Foundation will use these funds to enhance morale and wellness initiatives, providing much-needed exercise and recreational equipment for local Coast Guard members and their families. Meanwhile, the Dare County Special Olympics will direct the funds towards the 2023 Special Olympics North Carolina Summer Games, ensuring athletes can compete in a variety of sports without worrying about participation fees.

Wawa’s Commitment to North Carolina

Wawa isn’t just expanding; it’s committed to being a good neighbor. Over the next five years, the company plans to open a whopping 35 stores across North Carolina, primarily east of I-95. Each store will come with an investment of around $6.5 million, resulting in the creation of over 2,000 jobs—both during the construction phase and once the stores are operational. Each location will require around 35-40 associates, contributing significantly to local employment opportunities.

The Wawa Way

Guests at the groundbreaking also savored samples of Wawa’s famous freshly brewed coffee and handcrafted beverages, showcasing the delightful offerings that have made them a household name. During the event, attendees had the chance to hear the inspiring Wawa story—a tale of community, quality, and customer service that forms the heart of the brand. Kim Dowgielewicz, Wawa’s Director of Store Operations, expressed her enthusiasm for the company’s expansion: “It’s official – Wawa is flying to North Carolina, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share details of our exciting growth plans with our newest soon-to-be neighbors!”

As the dust settles from this exciting event, it is clear that Wawa’s journey in North Carolina is just beginning. With a passion for community and a dedication to quality, this gas station/grocery store hybrid is poised to win the hearts (and appetites) of locals throughout the Tar Heel State. Cheers to new beginnings in Kill Devil Hills and beyond!