By Cindy Peterson
New Wawa to Open in Tavares During Store’s 60th Anniversary
A new Wawa is coming to town! Driving on 441 in Tavares, I glanced over and noticed the distinct makings of a Wawa gas station. After further investigation, it is confirmed to be one of the newest locations during the store’s 60th anniversary. Of course, after digging for a confirmation, they put a sign out front…
The new store is part of Wawa’s expansion plan for 2024, which includes opening more than 70 new locations across existing markets and introducing the first Wawa stores in Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina.
The new Tavares Wawa will bring a variety of fresh food options, fuel services, surcharge-free ATMs, and free air pumps. Wawa is committed to making long-term investments in the over 1,000 communities it serves, and this new store will generate at least 35 local jobs and become a dedicated community partner. Wawa stores are known for their strong support of local causes and in-store fundraising campaigns that benefit both national and local non-profit partners.
“Since our first store opened its doors 60 years ago, it’s been an honor serving our communities with trusted quality products and convenience to most importantly offering comfort and camaraderie to local friends and neighbors,” Lead Goose Chris Gheysens says. “We pride ourselves on brightening days and as we continue to grow, we promise to continue Fulfilling Lives at every new store and look forward to serving the community for many more years to come!”
Grand Opening Festivities
If the Grand Opening celebration in Tavares is like the rest, the General Manager and new store team will gather at 7:45 a.m. for the countdown to the grand opening at 8:00 a.m. The first 100 customers are said to receive a free “Wawa 60th Anniversary in Your Era” t-shirt, as supplies last, and enjoy free any size hot coffee on opening day.
Wawa’s mascot Wally Goose, oversized scissors, red ribbon, confetti, and fanfare will all be involved. In a show of appreciation for local first responders, Wawa usually hosts its signature Hoagies for Heroes hoagie-building competition, where local police and fire departments will face off to see who can build the most hoagies in three minutes. The winning team will receive a large trophy, and Wawa will donate $1,000 to each department’s charity of choice.
Stay tuned for the opening day announcement!
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
