Wawa will open its first official store opening in North Carolina, in Kill Devil Hills, on May 16. During every grand opening event, Wawa will host festivities, ribbon cuttings, announce community partnerships and support for local organizations and celebrate local everyday heroes with its signature “Hoagies for Heroes” initiative.
Stores located in Wilson, Rocky Mount and Elizabeth City are also currently under construction and projected to open in the third quarter of 2024, with specific dates available this summer.
“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. “As each location opens, we will further solidify our commitment to providing the community with not only a new level of convenience but a strong, committed community partner.”
Over the next 10+ years, Wawa plans to build at least 80 stores across North Carolina markets, with the first 8 to 10 stores opening in 2024 and up to 15 stores opening in 2025. On May 14th and 15th, Wawa will host Community Partnership events in Wilmington, Jacksonville and Fayetteville and share plans for the next phase of expansion into those North Carolina markets.
To build each store, Wawa will invest approximately $7 million and employ, on average, 140 contractors and local partners. Once open, each store will employ, on average, 35 associates, with Wawa expecting to create more than 2,800 new jobs as a result of its expansion.