NORTH CAROLINA - For years, the fervent pleas of transplants and travelers have echoed through the Tar Heel State: "When will we get a Wawa?" The wait is finally over. The beloved Pennsylvania-based convenience store, famous for its built-to-order hoagies, fresh coffee, and cult-like following, has officially landed in North Carolina, and its arrival is just the beginning of an ambitious and large-scale expansion plan that will bring dozens of new stores to the state in the coming years.
The First Landing: The Outer Banks and Beyond
Wawa's highly anticipated entry into North Carolina began on May 16, 2024, with the grand opening of its first-ever store in the state, located in the popular Outer Banks town of Kill Devil Hills. The opening was a major event, drawing huge crowds and officially kicking off the company's "flight plan" for the state.
Following this successful launch, Wawa has moved quickly, with a goal of opening a total of 10 stores by the end of 2024. Additional locations that have recently opened or are slated to open this year include stores in:
- Wilson
- Rocky Mount
- Elizabeth City
- Greenville
- Goldsboro
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
The initial wave of openings is just a small part of a much larger strategy. Wawa has announced plans to invest over $675 million in its North Carolina expansion.
- 2025 and 2026: The company projects it will open up to 15 new stores in 2025 and another 10 stores in 2026.
- Long-Term Vision: Over the next eight to ten years, Wawa plans to build and open six to eight stores annually, with a goal of reaching a total of 90 stores across the state.
- Targeted Counties: The expansion will focus on numerous counties in the eastern and central parts of the state, including Johnston, Cumberland, Onslow, Wake, and New Hanover, bringing Wawa to cities like Fayetteville, Wilmington, and Jacksonville.
A First-of-its-Kind Travel Center in Hope Mills
In a significant development, North Carolina will be home to Wawa's first-ever Wawa Travel Center. Set to open on August 28, 2025, in Hope Mills (just off I-95), this new, larger-format store is designed to cater to both local customers and professional drivers.
The 8,000-square-foot facility will feature amenities not found at typical Wawa locations, including:
- Six high-speed diesel fuel lanes with OTR (over-the-road) payment options
- A CAT weigh station
- Free, dedicated parking for tractor-trailers
- A pet relief area
- Expanded restrooms and seating areas
This move signals Wawa's intent to compete in the larger travel plaza market, offering a new level of convenience for travelers on one of the East Coast's most critical transportation corridors.
Wawa's arrival in North Carolina is more than just the opening of a new convenience store chain; it's a cultural phenomenon that has been years in the making. With a clear and aggressive expansion plan, the iconic goose is set to become a familiar and welcome sight for residents and travelers across the state, bringing its unique brand of hoagies, coffee, and convenience to the Tar Heel State for years to come.
