HOPE MILLS, NC – Wawa, the beloved convenience store chain with a cult-like following, is officially entering a new era. Today, August 28, 2025, the company will celebrate the grand opening of its first-ever Wawa Travel Center in Hope Mills, North Carolina. This new, larger format represents a significant step in the company's ambitious expansion into the southern and midwestern United States and is specifically designed to serve the needs of professional drivers, road-tripping families, and the local community.
The sprawling 8,000-square-foot facility, located at 630 Chicken Foot Road, is a super-sized version of the classic Wawa, enhanced with amenities for long-haul travelers. The travel center features 20 fueling stations for passenger vehicles and a dedicated diesel fuel court with six high-speed diesel lanes that accept over-the-road (OTR) payments.
In a move to cater directly to the trucking community and RV travelers, the new facility also features a CAT weigh station, dedicated free hrilled to pilot this new format in Hope Mills and believe this new travel center model is a great way to bring Wawa to customers while serving a need to the travelers,” said John Poplawski, Wawa's Chief Real Estate Officer, in a press release. He emphasized that the travel center will be more than just a stop for professional drivers. Still, he will also remain a "community hub for local friends and neighbors to enjoy.”
Inside, customers will find all the classic Wawa offerings they love, including custom-made hoagies, freshly brewed coffee, and the full range of fresh food and beverage options. The larger footprint also accommodates both interior and exterior seating areas, as well as a more open store design.
The grand opening festivities are set to be a significant event, featuring free t-shirts for the first 250 customers and free coffee for all through August 31st. In a nod to the new format, the celebration will include a ceremonial "Honk" by the company's mascot, Wally Goose, alongside some of the nation's most popular big-rig truckers.
This new travel center is a cornerstone of Wawa's major expansion into North Carolina, where the company plans to build and open six to eight stores per year, to reach 90 stores in the state. This growth is part of a larger strategy that has seen the Pennsylvania-based company aggressively move into new markets in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia.
