Wawa’s migration: Why the convenience store chain is refocusing on Philly

New Wawa stores are popping up all over Philly, including its biggest ever in Old City. Why the renewed focus on the city? And how is the hoagie-eating public responding?

Listen 12:05
Customers place their orders at the flagship Wawa at 6th and Chestnut Street. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

Customers place their orders at the flagship Wawa at 6th and Chestnut Street. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

In 2018, Wawa opened a 12,000-square-foot store on 6th and Chestnut streets in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood, complete with a lounge area and a dedicated bakery – it’s largest ever. On this episode of The Why, we look at why — after years of opening stores in the suburbs — the convenience store chain is renewing its focus on the city. And are the city’s hoagie-eaters as enthusiastic about Wawa as Wawa is about them?

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal