Wawa to Open First North Carolina Store Next Month, Signaling Major Expansion in the State

Grand Opening of First Wawa Store in North Carolina Announced

Wawa Expands Into Outer Banks

OUTER BANKS, NC — Northeast convenience store giant, Wawa, confirms the official opening of its first store in North Carolina next month. Celebrations kickstart at 8 a.m. on May 16, with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony slated for 10 a.m at the new store situated at 1900 Croatan Highway, near the popular Harris Teeter. Additional store locations opening in Wilson, Rocky Mount, and Elizabeth City are currently under construction, with grand openings projected for the third quarter of 2024.

Wawa’s Expansion Bringing More Than Just Convenience

“We can’t wait to open our doors to our new North Carolina friends and neighbors and are excited for the chance to serve new customers and communities with our unique brand of fresh food, beverages and convenience,” said Kim Dowgielewicz, Director of Store Operations at Wawa.

The Pennsylvania-based convenience store and gas chain plans to open approximately 80 stores spanning North Carolina in the upcoming decade. Wawa’s expansion into North Carolina will represent a $7 million investment. The company is expected to engage around 140 contractors, paving the way for the creation of 2,800 new job opportunities as a result of its ongoing store project. Wawa’s ambitious expansion plan is likely to positively impact the local economy contributing to both job growth and infrastructural development.

What Wawa Brings to the Table

Wawa is recognized for its innovative combination of convenience stores with quality and freshness-orientated food markets. Offering made-to-order sandwiches, fresh salads, coffee, and an array of baked goods, Wawa’s aim is to bring accessibility and delectable food options to the communities in which they operate. Their strong emphasis on customer service and their competitive fuel pricing equally contribute to their popularity amongst consumers, making their expansion warmly welcomed by North Carolina residents.

More Stores on the Way

North Carolina’s first Wawa store is just the beginning. The newly announced locations in Wilson, Rocky Mount, and Elizabeth City are eagerly anticipated. The subsequent stores are likely to enhance the convenience and fresh market offerings to the expanses of North Carolina. The locations are currently under construction and will open their doors later this year, in the third quarter of 2024.

Wawa’s entry into the North Carolina market signals an exciting phase of growth and community nourishment, offering quality products and contributing to the local economy through substantial job creation. The grand opening in May stands as an emblematic leap forward in this mission, marking a milestone that the residents of Kill Devil Hills and surrounding communities are eagerly awaiting.


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