North Carolina Set to Welcome Growing C-Store Brand

Just about a month after sharing its plans to build 26 units in Georgia, Wawa is laying the foundation in yet another state.

The 1,000-unit brand says its first store in Kill Devil Hills, N.C., will open on May 16, kicking off its larger plans. This year, the brand says it will open between eight and 10 units in the state, with under-construction units in Wilson, Rocky Mount and Elizabeth City projected to open in Q3. Ultimately, the brand aims to reach at least 80 stores over the next 10-plus years, with another 15 expected to open in 2025.

“To build each store, Wawa will invest approximately $7 million and employ, on average, 140 contractors and local partners,” notes a release. “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.”

Wawa stores—which are up and running in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida and Washington, D.C.—offer hoagies, coffee, hot breakfast sandwiches, specialty beverages, burgers, pizza, soups, sides and snacks.

Wawa isn’t the only convenience-geared brand with its sights on North Carolina. A few weeks ago, a QSR brand announced its entry to the state with a new, compact c-store design.