Florida’s first Wawa store now open near SeaWorld

Wawa officially made their southern expansion today with the opening of their first Florida store, located across from SeaWorld’s entrance. Those who have been to one of the hundreds of Wawa stores in the Northeast understand the excitement behind the opening. Wawa is more than a gas station, it’s more than a convenience store, and it’s more than a sandwich shop. It’s all of those and more.

In addition to gasoline and traditional convenience store items, Wawa offers fresh made foods such as hoagies, soups, breakfast foods, quesadillas, prime rib and more. They also offer many fresh but pre-packaged fruits and salads ready to go, many types of fresh coffee, smoothies and frozen drinks, and a bakery section. The store is open 24 hours and also offers a no-fee ATM inside.

The grand opening event kicks off Wawa’s partnership with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. As Wawa opens five stores in Orlando in five weeks time, they have committed to donating a portion of hoagie sales for these first five stores (up to $5,000 per store) to Second Harvest Food Bank, with a goal to raise and donate $25,000 in five weeks time, and help fight hunger in the Orlando community.

“We are thrilled to finally open our doors and share this momentous occasion with honored friends and guests, and are ecstatic to welcome our new Orlando customers to enjoy our unique brand of appetizing convenience,” said Howard Stoeckel, Wawa’s CEO. “We are passionate about extending our commitment to being a good neighbor and corporate citizen to the Sunshine State, and our Partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank is just one example of how we will support local causes and people in the community.”

Wawa will open six stores in Orlando in 2012, and begin to open its first stores in Tampa in 2013. Throughout Central Florida, Wawa plans to open 20 stores in 2013, 25 stores in 2014 and 25 stores in 2015, and projects they will open 100 stores in the area in the next five years. The next stores to open are:

4700 S. Goldenrod Road, Orlando – July 25, 2012
2184 E Irlo Bronson, Kissimmee – Aug. 1, 2012
2499 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Kissimmee – Aug. 8, 2012
2500 Silver Star Road, Orlando – Aug. 15, 2012

Here’s a look around the store: