If you were to ask people from Pennsylvania, New Jersey or other neighboring states about Wawa, the chances of their faces lighting up are pretty high. Wawa is a gas station and convenience store chain that originated in the Philadelphia area. It’s even the third-largest food retailer in greater Philadelphia. So what is the significance of this gas station chain and why are people elated over the idea of a late-night Wawa trip?
Outside of providing gas for cars, Wawa’s convenience store has been ranked as the top convenience store in the United States, which is a big deal considering how many convenience stores there are in America. Based on data gathered in casual conversations with individuals who enjoy Wawa, it can be concluded that their common 24/7 hours and consistently delicious fresh food make the chain stand out. From a wide selection of hot and cold sandwiches, paninis, wraps, quesadillas and an array of beverages, Wawa has something for everyone. Their touch screen ordering system with fully customizable meals makes getting food at any hour infinitely more convenient. After a fun night out with friends, Wawa is the perfect way to head to bed with a full stomach.
Being from the West Coast, I had never heard of Wawa until I moved to Boston last August and befriended people from the Mid-Atlantic. I mean, what in the world is a hoagie and why am I being lectured by my peers about Wawa having the best ones? Come to find out, a hoagie is just an Italian-style sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, and yes, Wawa’s hoagies are pretty life-changing.
I visited Philadelphia for New Years, thinking my first Wawa trip would be underwhelming and that all the hype from what I had heard was extreme. Instead, I was faced with nothing but big smiles and a feeling of community. This feeling of belonging by just ordering a turkey wrap on the mega-tablets in the store was something I had only felt in Los Angeles ordering a $20 smoothie from Erewhon. Considering everybody I have met who has been to Wawa also agrees that it feels like a community, I couldn’t help but wonder how a convenience store unites people.
Wawa was built on community and hospitality with family roots dating back to 1803. It is no surprise that many employees stay with the company for up to 40 years! Wawa also serves as a sense of nostalgia for many people. In a blog post entitled “Home Is Where Wawa Is,” blogger Jen Larsen wrote, “Wawa has played a substantial role in my memories of home. Throughout middle school, my best friend Alex and I would frequently bike to Wawa for hoagies or ice cream (or both…let’s be real), and we’d picnic at the abandoned bank across the street.”
Additionally, Wawa can be described as “for the people.” With consistent affordability, support of local Philadelphia sports and most importantly, The Wawa Foundation. In a nutshell, The Wawa Foundation funds medical research, works to confront food insecurity and empowers everyday heroes. They are also a proud supporter of the Philadelphia Eagles, providing free coffee before the Super Bowl and a fun pregame advertisement. Every summer since 2008, Wawa holds their annual Hoagiefest — “an annual summer tradition that celebrates the role hoagies have in helping make memories for families whether it’s at graduation parties, beach, concerts and more.” This in-store promotion means all hoagies are marked down in price to $5 for a 6-inch and $6 for a 10-inch.
With these points in mind, it is undeniable that Wawa has almost a cult following, especially considering it is a convenience store chain. Their fanbase is so strong that a TikTok created under the alias “Yung Juul” created an entire song dedicated to them. With a catchy beat and memorable lyrics, Yung Juul ventures around the Philadelphia area promoting his song at assorted Wawa locations all the way to the Wawa station (yes, there is a train stop named after the convenience store).
After experiencing the beauty and glory that is Wawa, I realized that Boston needs a Wawa equivalent (since I am content with the idea of gatekeeping Wawa for those in the mid-Atlantic.) Niche spots like DeLuca’s on Newbury Street are a great place to start considering those who have tried their sandwiches seem to always go back, but they have steep pricing and a fairly inconvenient location. Boston’s Fenway area is the closest I’ve seen to a strong community like Wawa’s — the Red Sox culture lurks around every corner but doesn’t necessarily check the box of “late-night food runs” that every college student is enraptured by.
Feeling a sense of belonging and local pride is game-changing when it comes to having excitement for leaving the house during the coldest of months, and this city cannot be compared to those that have Wawa. Though the convenience store is just a convenience store, it unites people across multiple states. Until Boston gets a place that’s reliable, convenient, consistent and demographically centered toward young adults, I don’t think this city can harbor the pride that Wawa states do.