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Non-Road Boards => Off-Topic => Topic started by: PHLBOS on September 15, 2014, 10:29:11 AM

Title: Wawa
Post by: PHLBOS on September 15, 2014, 10:29:11 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 15, 2014, 08:45:41 AMYou won't have Wawa's on any toll road, for the same reason Wawa will not be found at Airports: They do not deviate from their pricing structure.
While not in an airport per say but there is a Wawa (including a gas station) along Bartram Ave./PA 291 near PHL that opened up just a few years ago. 

Such comes in handy for those refueling their rental cars prior to returning them and, no, the prices on the pump are not marked up compared to other stations.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: D-Dey65 on September 15, 2014, 11:19:27 AM
Quote from: PHLBOS on September 15, 2014, 10:29:11 AM
While not in an airport per say but there is a Wawa (including a gas station) along Bartram Ave./PA 291 near PHL that opened up just a few years ago. 
I was at a Wawa near Wilmington, Delaware along US 13 near I-495 in 2011, and near Woodbridge, Virginia in 2013. My mother and one of her friends swear by it, but I don't see all the hype. To me, they're just another gas station/convenience store. In recent years, they built some along US 19 at Pasco CR 524, and SR 54, but the sites they built them on should've been used for interchange embankments. I refuse to go to either of them.

Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: J Route Z on September 15, 2014, 11:38:21 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 14, 2014, 11:46:40 PM
Wawa is terrific at turning around freshly-prepared foods in minutes at low prices. The Turnpike should have Wawas.

I so agree!!!!!!!!!!!

And, NY should have Wawa, along with other states. Does MA have?
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Pete from Boston on September 15, 2014, 12:30:24 PM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on September 15, 2014, 11:19:27 AM
Quote from: PHLBOS on September 15, 2014, 10:29:11 AM
While not in an airport per say but there is a Wawa (including a gas station) along Bartram Ave./PA 291 near PHL that opened up just a few years ago. 
I was at a Wawa near Wilmington, Delaware along US 13 near I-495 in 2011, and near Woodbridge, Virginia in 2013. My mother and one of her friends swear by it, but I don't see all the hype. To me, they're just another gas station/convenience store. In recent years, they built some along US 19 at Pasco CR 524, and SR 54, but the sites they built them on should've been used for interchange embankments. I refuse to go to either of them.

Up this way, we don't really have anything like them.  There are convenience stores with a Subway or Dunkin' Donuts, but that's as elaborate as most of them get.

Wawa, on the other hand, operates in an area where there are Sheetz and Quick Chek and other places with a more full-service food operation, so Wawa may seem relatively less impressive by comparison if you're used to all that.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Pete from Boston on September 15, 2014, 12:31:31 PM

Quote from: J Route Z on September 15, 2014, 11:38:21 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 14, 2014, 11:46:40 PM
Wawa is terrific at turning around freshly-prepared foods in minutes at low prices. The Turnpike should have Wawas.

I so agree!!!!!!!!!!!

And, NY should have Wawa, along with other states. Does MA have?

Nope.  People think it's a guitar pedal here. 
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: J Route Z on September 15, 2014, 12:34:48 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 15, 2014, 12:31:31 PM

Quote from: J Route Z on September 15, 2014, 11:38:21 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 14, 2014, 11:46:40 PM
Wawa is terrific at turning around freshly-prepared foods in minutes at low prices. The Turnpike should have Wawas.

I so agree!!!!!!!!!!!

And, NY should have Wawa, along with other states. Does MA have?

Nope.  People think it's a guitar pedal here.

Hahah!! They should expand up there.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: jeffandnicole on September 15, 2014, 12:46:40 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on September 15, 2014, 11:19:27 AM
Quote from: PHLBOS on September 15, 2014, 10:29:11 AM
While not in an airport per say but there is a Wawa (including a gas station) along Bartram Ave./PA 291 near PHL that opened up just a few years ago. 
I was at a Wawa near Wilmington, Delaware along US 13 near I-495 in 2011, and near Woodbridge, Virginia in 2013. My mother and one of her friends swear by it, but I don't see all the hype. To me, they're just another gas station/convenience store. In recent years, they built some along US 19 at Pasco CR 524, and SR 54, but the sites they built them on should've been used for interchange embankments. I refuse to go to either of them.

Wawa fanatics will have you destroyed!

Wawa originally wasn't gas and store.  It was just a store (there was a random store or two with pumps but that was an extremely rare occurrence and nothing like today's set up).

Most people swear by their coffee.  They keep a lot of fresh coffee available, regardless of it being day or night, unlike most convenience stores that keep a single pot out, which may have been there for several hours. 

Between them and Sheetz, they have nearly perfected the touch-screen model of ordering items from the deli, then paying, then receiving your sandwich.  The goal is to have you in and out in a very short period of time. 

They also tend to be very clean, and the newer the store, the more airer it tends to be.  They've actually eliminated about the equivalent of a row of shelves, eliminating items that don't sell well, in order to provide more space to walk around.  And they've added more pre-made sandwiches, wraps, and salads for those that really want to quickly get back on the road.

It's actually a very well executed model that is well liked within the convenience store industry.

Quote from: J Route Z on September 15, 2014, 11:38:21 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 14, 2014, 11:46:40 PM
Wawa is terrific at turning around freshly-prepared foods in minutes at low prices. The Turnpike should have Wawas.

I so agree!!!!!!!!!!!

And, NY should have Wawa, along with other states. Does MA have?

Wawa had expanded into the NY/CT market, but one of the goals of Wawa was to be able to send their products out from their headquarters via truck, get it to the stores in a certain time period, and be back before the day was over.  Due to the congestion in the NYC area, that goal was unattainable, and they got rid of those stores.

Opening in Florida was a huge operational change for Wawa.  Not only did they have to add a distribution center in Florida, but they started doing things they've never done in the Northeast, such as tables where people could sit and enjoy their food.  Again, the goal was to get you out of their stores and parking lots quickly.  But they're allowing themselves to adapt to the slower and older Florida lifestyle.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: bzakharin on September 15, 2014, 01:55:35 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 15, 2014, 12:30:24 PM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on September 15, 2014, 11:19:27 AM
Quote from: PHLBOS on September 15, 2014, 10:29:11 AM
While not in an airport per say but there is a Wawa (including a gas station) along Bartram Ave./PA 291 near PHL that opened up just a few years ago. 
I was at a Wawa near Wilmington, Delaware along US 13 near I-495 in 2011, and near Woodbridge, Virginia in 2013. My mother and one of her friends swear by it, but I don't see all the hype. To me, they're just another gas station/convenience store. In recent years, they built some along US 19 at Pasco CR 524, and SR 54, but the sites they built them on should've been used for interchange embankments. I refuse to go to either of them.

Up this way, we don't really have anything like them.  There are convenience stores with a Subway or Dunkin' Donuts, but that's as elaborate as most of them get.

Wawa, on the other hand, operates in an area where there are Sheetz and Quick Chek and other places with a more full-service food operation, so Wawa may seem relatively less impressive by comparison if you're used to all that.

The area of Wawa's overlap with Quick Chek is actually insignificant. It's one of the ways to ascertain where the North Jersey / South Jersey line is with the overlap being Central Jersey (the exception being two relatively new stores in the vicinity of I-80 in NJ, presumably using the same suppliers as on the PA side of I-80).

For my purposes, they are all interchangeable (including 7-Eleven, which is pretty ubiquitous). If I'm in a bind and really need milk/water/coke/granola bar any convenience store will do. Coffee, I hate the taste, only drink for caffeine, so I'll take the cheapest available. If it's at work, it's free. If I'm buying, get the store brand instant at the supermarket. If I'm on the road, whatever is available nearby.

As for gas, Wawa is not always the cheapest, but it's same price cash and credit, which often makes them the cheapest in the immediate area if you don't have the cash. I haven't really had a chance to use other convenience stores' gas stations, so can't compare in that regard.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Roadrunner75 on September 15, 2014, 01:57:50 PM
Quickchek had to rapidly catch up to Wawa in this area with the touchscreens.  I used to work close to a Quickcheck and would occasionally go there for lunch.  Once Wawa had them up and running, the local Quickchek felt immediately antiquated.  "What!?  I have to wait in line and talk to a person about the sandwich I want?"  If I recall, once they got the touchscreens up, they still screwed it up and made you wait for the sandwich before paying.  I think they finally got it right, but Wawa has since blanketed the area in that time and QC is now a very distant #2.

I think the new Wawa design is a bit bland though.  I thought the 'old' design with the huge sloping canopies over the pumps was a bit ridiculous, but the new stores have gone to a more standard toned-down flat canopy design and a weird mini-supermarket like layout inside with separate in/out doors and registers in front by the exit. 



Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: PHLBOS on September 15, 2014, 02:43:31 PM
Quote from: bzakharin on September 15, 2014, 01:55:35 PMFor my purposes, they are all interchangeable (including 7-Eleven, which is pretty ubiquitous).
I'm sorry but equating Wawa, Sheetz, QuickCheck with the likes of 7-Eleven is considered an act of blasphemy.

For starters (WARNING! The following is not politically correct), one does not need an interpreter at a Wawa, Sheetz and/or a QuickCheck check-out counter.  Most other convenient stores (7-Eleven being one of them) can't claim that.  I've been at a lot of them so I know this one first hand.

FYI, most of the 7-elevens near where I live shut down over a decade ago due to the expansion/addition of more Wawas.  The original Wawa store in Folsom, PA is about 2 miles from where I live.  Wawa just turned 50 several months ago BTW.

Quote from: bzakharin on September 15, 2014, 01:55:35 PMAs for gas, Wawa is not always the cheapest, but it's same price cash and credit, which often makes them the cheapest in the immediate area if you don't have the cash. I haven't really had a chance to use other convenience stores' gas stations, so can't compare in that regard.
Wawa's gas prices are usually competitive if they're not the cheapest.  The fore-mentioned one near the Philadelphia Airport doesn't charge the exhorbitant prices (30 cents above average for self-serve) that the long-gone Exxon station along Island Ave. had.

Side bar: if there are two gas stations near each other and one of them is a Wawa; be aware that the other station might match Wawa's price for the 87 octane gas; their higher grade prices may be significantly higher.  At one station in the Trooper, PA area along PA 363; their prices for the both the upper grades (89 & higher) were more than what the nearby Wawa was charging for their top grade.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: hbelkins on September 15, 2014, 03:07:51 PM
Sheetz >>>>>> Wawa.

End of discussion.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Pete from Boston on September 15, 2014, 03:13:45 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on September 15, 2014, 03:07:51 PM
Sheetz >>>>>> Wawa.

End of discussion.

Not if there's no Sheetz, and lots of Wawas.  A Wawa in the hand is worth two Sheetz a hundred miles away.   
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Roadrunner75 on September 15, 2014, 03:50:52 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 15, 2014, 03:13:45 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 15, 2014, 03:07:51 PM
Sheetz >>>>>> Wawa.
End of discussion.
Not if there's no Sheetz, and lots of Wawas.  A Wawa in the hand is worth two Sheetz a hundred miles away.
They're both pretty good.  I'll stop at either, although I'm far more familiar with Wawa and like it better because I'm used to it.  No way is Sheetz far better though.

I remember one of the earliest Wawas in NJ, down in Somers Point where my grandparents lived at the time (late 70s/early 80s).  At that time, there were very few in the rest of the state.  There was an article not long ago, noting that the store was closing after 45 years so they could move to a new location just down the road.  My recollection was that it was more of a small mom and pop kind of place with a full deli counter.  A few years later Wawa launched its blitzkrieg across NJ taking out 7-11s left and right.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Zeffy on September 15, 2014, 03:55:11 PM
There's a Wawa in my town, and there also is a 7-11 in my town as well. Wawa has ICEEs which IMO are better than Slurpees which is usually what I buy if I'm at either of those stores. Also, Wawa is in a more convenient location and closer to my home than 7-11 is. QuickChek isn't too bad, having a location about 30 seconds away from Wawa, but I can't really say I've been to Sheetz.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: shadyjay on September 15, 2014, 08:36:25 PM
RE:  WaWa

There was also a WaWa at the Route 34 split in West Haven, where the divided highway/parkway began... it sat right in the median. 
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.3044932,-72.975356,3a,75y,216.52h,77.52t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sA-BgVxmZznk3-X-ki2Y2aw!2e0

Today it's a Krauzer's, which most of the Wawa's in CT became... there was one in Cromwell just off I-91 at Exit 21 that I used to go to all the time.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: NJRoadfan on September 15, 2014, 11:59:36 PM
Most of the old WaWas in NJ became Pantry 1 Minimarts. I still find it odd that they pulled out of North Jersey even though its within delivery range. Overall WaWa is abandoning the older smaller stores that lack gas stations for new buildings. The extremely busy Diamond Beach location (south of Wildwood Crest) was closed for that reason.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Roadrunner75 on September 16, 2014, 12:19:31 AM
Wawa is planning on coming back to North Jersey.  Here's an article from about a year ago that I remember reading at the time, which describes their plans:
http://www.northjersey.com/news/wawa-opens-store-in-lodi-1.579878 (http://www.northjersey.com/news/wawa-opens-store-in-lodi-1.579878)

Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: froggie on September 16, 2014, 08:19:22 AM
Quote from: Pete From BostonUp this way, we don't really have anything like them.  There are convenience stores with a Subway or Dunkin' Donuts, but that's as elaborate as most of them get.

Some of the newer Cumbies (Cumberland Farms for non-New Englanders) are getting Wawa-esque.  Not sure if they're doing touch-screen ordering (didn't check), but they might be.  And their SmartPay app is awesome.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: PHLBOS on September 16, 2014, 08:29:36 AM
Quote from: NJRoadfan on September 15, 2014, 11:59:36 PM
Most of the old WaWas in NJ became Pantry 1 Minimarts.
Similar happened w/a couple of older Wawas in my area several years ago (and I'm in Wawa country).  The ones that closed & changed over not only didn't have gas stations but also weren't open 24 hours either.

I believe that all Wawas are now open 24 hours.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Alex on September 16, 2014, 09:03:38 AM
I liked it when Wawa's did not include gas pumps. They were great for taking care of hunger at 2 am with decent sub sandwiches. Their chocolate milk was always good and I now love their coffee.

However today the gas station aspect makes getting in and out a chore at times though. As of 2012, there were still some in Delaware without the gas station aspect, such as the two along Delaware 4 south of Newark.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: roadman65 on September 16, 2014, 09:19:58 AM
One thing about Wawa, they're gas is one of the lowest besides the membership wholesale clubs that are not for the general public. 

I remember once when the one on FL 436 near Orlando International Airport opened, he had a sale on gas when he first opened last year.  It was 2.99 which was way lower than the idiot up the street from him charging way over $5 a gallon for gas.  All the news agencies have been giving them free publicity for when they did it, as that jerk with the high gas prices has been on everyone's mind since he opened several years before.  Many of us in Florida have always wanted that guy out of business for his charging too much for gas, especially at first when he did not post his prices.  At least now the law made him post his prices, but the owner says that he will continue to charge what the hell he wants and we don't like it then its too bad.  Even after Wawa opened he still says that he won't change.  So all of our local media thought that it was newsworthy to report the sale price of below average gas at the time.

Anyway always busy here in Florida no matter what location.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: PHLBOS on September 16, 2014, 10:24:06 AM
Quote from: Alex on September 16, 2014, 09:03:38 AM
I liked it when Wawa's did not include gas pumps. They were great for taking care of hunger at 2 am with decent sub sandwiches. Their chocolate milk was always good and I now love their coffee.

However today the gas station aspect makes getting in and out a chore at times though. As of 2012, there were still some in Delaware without the gas station aspect, such as the two along Delaware 4 south of Newark.
There are still a fair amount of Wawas without the gas station in southeastern PA.  Within a 5 mile radius of where I reside in Delaware County; there are at least 6 Wawas that are just stores; one of them being the original 50-year old Wawa along MacDade Blvd. in Folsom... though the latter is slated to be replaced with a gas station Wawa up the road (near the PA 420 intersection) in the foreseeable future.  That future one could wind up replacing the 22-year old Wawa store further up MacDade Blvd. in Holmes (I remember when that one first opened in 1992) as well due to its close proximity to PA 420.

Many of the Wawas located in Center City Philadelphia are just stores as well.  I don't believe those will be replaced w/gas station Wawas anytime soon. 
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Roadrunner75 on September 16, 2014, 10:33:48 AM
Quote from: froggie on September 16, 2014, 08:19:22 AM
Quote from: Pete From BostonUp this way, we don't really have anything like them.  There are convenience stores with a Subway or Dunkin' Donuts, but that's as elaborate as most of them get.

Some of the newer Cumbies (Cumberland Farms for non-New Englanders) are getting Wawa-esque.  Not sure if they're doing touch-screen ordering (didn't check), but they might be.  And their SmartPay app is awesome.
Cumberland Farms is not welcome around here since their scandal a few years ago with accusing employees of theft to get them to quit:
http://articles.philly.com/1993-06-25/news/25972086_1_cashiers-cumberland-farms-settlement (http://articles.philly.com/1993-06-25/news/25972086_1_cashiers-cumberland-farms-settlement)
I hope Wawa pushes north again and steamrolls them.  I think there may be a few of them still around in NJ (some became mom and pop " 'Fill in the blank' Farms").  They used to have frequent radio commercials touting "Cumbies" a few years ago that were really annoying, while there were none around anyway.

As for Wawas without pumps, there are still plenty of them around in New Jersey, although they are rapidly being replaced with the gas station versions.



Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: jeffandnicole on September 16, 2014, 10:37:28 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 15, 2014, 03:13:45 PM
A Wawa in the hand is worth two Sheetz a hundred miles away.   

The NY Times did a story (why them...who knows) about Wawa & Sheetz in PA.  Generally, Sheetz's customer service was much better than Wawa; Wawa's coffee way better than Sheetz.  Both companies excel in some things more than others.  Before they were competing in the same markets, the CEO's were good friends and would often meet up with each other.  Now that both stores have encroached into each other's territory, they don't meet up as often, although I wouldn't be surprised they still send Christmas Cards to each other!

Quote from: Alex on September 16, 2014, 09:03:38 AM
I liked it when Wawa's did not include gas pumps. They were great for taking care of hunger at 2 am with decent sub sandwiches. Their chocolate milk was always good and I now love their coffee.

However today the gas station aspect makes getting in and out a chore at times though. As of 2012, there were still some in Delaware without the gas station aspect, such as the two along Delaware 4 south of Newark.

They are fewer and far in between, although I still have 2 near my house.  As a 'Super Wawa' (as they were formerly known before the gas/store became commonplace) opens, a nearby traditional Wawa closes, although sometimes there's been cases where a Wawa is closed even though it's relatively nowhere near a Super Wawa, which really sucks.

A 3rd near my place knocked down a nearby mini-shopping center solely to place gas pumps there. The convenience store remained as is, so it's overall look and layout is a bit different from most.

It's not a question of a Wawa making money or losing money - they are all profitable stores.  Wawa is in the position where they close the less-profitable stores, to concentrate on the more profitable ones as well as opening new stores.

Quote from: roadman65 on September 16, 2014, 09:19:58 AM
At least now the law made him post his prices, but the owner says that he will continue to charge what the hell he wants and we don't like it then its too bad.  Even after Wawa opened he still says that he won't change.

Honestly, he's allowed to.  People may not like it, but if the guy is in a good location, why shouldn't he?  He knows people are probably running late to the airport; he knows people aren't going to drive a few miles to find something cheaper.  He has every right to capitalize on that.  And since most of his customers are one-timers that are leaving the city and won't be returning, it's not like he's worried about repeat business.  People for some reason believe that everyone has to play fair.  As long as someone isn't price gouging illegally, such as a hardware store after a hurricane, he can charge whatever he wants for gasoline.

Competition will play its part with the nearby Wawa.  If he loses business, he'll either reduce his prices or go out of business.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: PHLBOS on September 16, 2014, 10:57:10 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 16, 2014, 10:37:28 AMHonestly, he's allowed to.  People may not like it, but if the guy is in a good location, why shouldn't he?  He knows people are probably running late to the airport; he knows people aren't going to drive a few miles to find something cheaper.  He has every right to capitalize on that.  And since most of his customers are one-timers that are leaving the city and won't be returning, it's not like he's worried about repeat business.  People for some reason believe that everyone has to play fair.  As long as someone isn't price gouging illegally, such as a hardware store after a hurricane, he can charge whatever he wants for gasoline.

Competition will play its part with the nearby Wawa.  If he loses business, he'll either reduce his prices or go out of business.
Similar was the case w/infamous (to those in the Boston area) Glenn Heller who owned a Gulf station in the Beacon Hill section of the city who gained notoriety for charging the highest gas prices in the nation (back when there were still price controls).  He was charging $1.569 a gallon in 1979 when he was arrested and brought to court.  Following the court order, he was forced to lower his price to a more competitive (for then) $0.88.  However, once prices became decontrolled in 1981; it didn't take long for him to break the $2 and even $3 a gallon barrier (which was excessive for then).

I don't believe that the station even exists anymore.

Here's one news article (http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2209&dat=19810518&id=QqkrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=IP0FAAAAIBAJ&pg=6963,3934849) from 1981 covering Glenn Heller.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: hbelkins on September 16, 2014, 01:34:31 PM
Last time I was in a Speedway was the one at the intersection of US 60 and US 127 in Frankfort several months back. They had done away with their cold subs, roller hot dogs and heat-lamp hot sandwiches, and had installed a small touch-screen deli with food made to order. It reminded me of a poor man's Sheetz. Not sure if this has become more widespread with Speedway or not.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: vdeane on September 16, 2014, 01:49:43 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 16, 2014, 10:37:28 AM
Competition will play its part with the nearby Wawa.  If he loses business, he'll either reduce his prices or go out of business.
Honestly, I'm surprised he's still in business now.  $5/gallon is high enough that I would think most people would be driven elsewhere unless their need for gas was an emergency.

QuotePeople for some reason believe that everyone has to play fair.
But fairness is the basis for all of human morality and decency!
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: signalman on September 16, 2014, 02:55:08 PM
Quote from: Roadrunner75 on September 16, 2014, 10:33:48 AM
Quote from: froggie on September 16, 2014, 08:19:22 AM
Quote from: Pete From BostonUp this way, we don't really have anything like them.  There are convenience stores with a Subway or Dunkin' Donuts, but that's as elaborate as most of them get.

Some of the newer Cumbies (Cumberland Farms for non-New Englanders) are getting Wawa-esque.  Not sure if they're doing touch-screen ordering (didn't check), but they might be.  And their SmartPay app is awesome.
Cumberland Farms is not welcome around here since their scandal a few years ago with accusing employees of theft to get them to quit:
http://articles.philly.com/1993-06-25/news/25972086_1_cashiers-cumberland-farms-settlement (http://articles.philly.com/1993-06-25/news/25972086_1_cashiers-cumberland-farms-settlement)
I hope Wawa pushes north again and steamrolls them.  I think there may be a few of them still around in NJ (some became mom and pop " 'Fill in the blank' Farms").  They used to have frequent radio commercials touting "Cumbies" a few years ago that were really annoying, while there were none around anyway.

As for Wawas without pumps, there are still plenty of them around in New Jersey, although they are rapidly being replaced with the gas station versions.
You don't have to worry about Cumberland Farms in NJ, PA, or DE. They are completely out of all 3 states. They sold all of their stores and gas stations to PMG (Petroleum Marketing Group) back in April. The stores are now Circle K
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: jeffandnicole on September 16, 2014, 02:59:58 PM
A timely survey, in regards to this topic...

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2014/09/wawa_trumps_7-11_as_favorite_convenience_store_poll_says.html#incart_river
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Pete from Boston on September 16, 2014, 10:53:04 PM

Quote from: vdeane on September 16, 2014, 01:49:43 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 16, 2014, 10:37:28 AM
Competition will play its part with the nearby Wawa.  If he loses business, he'll either reduce his prices or go out of business.
Honestly, I'm surprised he's still in business now.  $5/gallon is high enough that I would think most people would be driven elsewhere unless their need for gas was an emergency.

Anyone who's returned a rental car with an imminent flight knows what it's like to consider unfamiliar gas options and resign to one and hope it's a good price.  Gasbuddy has changed this, of course, but lots of people get near the airport before considering their plight, and it's too risky to venture off for cheaper gas. 

Half of air travel is wringing people for really excessive overcharges because they're in a hurry.  Our whole toll road food conversation applies, only on a much larger scale (flying has probably made me much more pissed off at the gouging at rest areas, malls, etc.).
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Duke87 on September 17, 2014, 01:49:53 AM
Tier one in terms of places like this is Sheetz. It is in a league all of its own. There is nothing else like it.
Tier two contains Wawa, QuickChek, 7 Eleven, Circle K, and Couche-Tard. Establishments which have some brand prominence as places to go, but haven't truly mastered the art.
Anything else is just a generic gas station.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Pete from Boston on September 17, 2014, 09:11:18 AM
I wouldn't put 7-Eleven or Circle K in the same tier as Wawa or Quick Chek.

I miss Irving's bluecanoe stores.  They were a step up from the Circle Ks that replaced them in selection, cleanliness, and presentation.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Roadrunner75 on September 17, 2014, 09:41:02 AM
Quote from: Duke87 on September 17, 2014, 01:49:53 AM
Tier one in terms of places like this is Sheetz. It is in a league all of its own. There is nothing else like it.
Tier two contains Wawa, QuickChek, 7 Eleven, Circle K, and Couche-Tard. Establishments which have some brand prominence as places to go, but haven't truly mastered the art.
Anything else is just a generic gas station.
Sheetz is pretty good, but it's not THAT good.  Wawa is clearly Tier 1.  QuickChek is OK, but at least one level down.  7-11 is at the bottom. 

Two others I have encountered in south central PA (US 30 corridor):  Rutter's and Royal Farms, both of which seemed pretty good.


Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: jeffandnicole on September 17, 2014, 10:24:25 AM
I would put Sheetz & Wawa in the same tier.  Other than different food offerings, the general layout of their properties and their made-to-order foods and beverages are practically the same.

Quote from: Duke87 on September 17, 2014, 01:49:53 AM
Tier two contains Wawa, QuickChek, 7 Eleven, Circle K, and Couche-Tard. Establishments which have some brand prominence as places to go, but haven't truly mastered the art.

Huh?  :hmmm:

These places have been in business for decades.  Nearly everyone has heard of 7-11 throughout the country, and if you're in the geographic area of the other stores, you're probably familiar with them too.  Actually, because of their larger territory in more populated areas, more people probably know of Wawa than Sheetz!

All of the convenience stores you mentioned definitely mastered the art of operating a convenience store in the manner they want to operate.  But I think you're trying to say that all convenience stores should be like Sheetz, which would be an incorrect assumption.

Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: 1995hoo on September 17, 2014, 10:53:11 AM
I've noted depending on where you are, sometimes the Sheetz logo is less prominent than you might expect. I've often made gas/toilet stops at the big Sheetz station at the corner of VA-3 and VA-20 in Wilderness, for example, and the word "Sheetz" only appeared on the station canopy. The more prominently-located sign listing the gas prices had an "MTO" logo at the top, I assume standing for "Made to Order" in reference to the store's sandwich operation. I know if I'm looking for a gas station I don't look to the station canopy because I'm looking at prices, and if I don't recognize the name on the price sign I'll probably be less likely to stop there unless I've been to that station before (such as, in this case, for toilet stops due to its location).

I always thought it was a bit odd the way the Sheetz logo is less prominent there.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: 02 Park Ave on September 17, 2014, 11:11:21 AM
How does White Hen Pantry rate?
Title: Wawa
Post by: formulanone on September 17, 2014, 11:51:45 AM
I don't care about paying an extra 10-25 cents a gallon if I'm returning a rental car. At worst, I'm out an extra dollar or two for the difference and convenience (since I typically fill up the night before). The rental car company will charge $7-9/gallon for a failure to return the car with the same fuel level. In tourist spots or large cities, you're more likely to get hammered by a gas station on the fringes of the airport. What most people don't realize is that you can usually get 10-20 miles until a fuel gauge reads anything less than full.

I used to rent from Enterprise, and they almost never filled the tank...you had to guess how much goes back in when you had 3/4 to begin with, so you wasted money. Sometimes, if you were lucky, the owners manual would be in the trunk, by the spare tire...and then you you could figure out the fuel capacity. By contrast, Avis leaves the tank full almost every time (perhaps once a year they rent it to me at less-than-full).

On topic, I tend to avoid prepared food from gas stations...haven't really tried anything other than the bottled drinks and an occasional snack. I've rarely come across Sheetz or Wawa stations; I usually just get fuel where I need it or have to use the restroom - brand loyalty means little in that department.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Pete from Boston on September 17, 2014, 12:02:00 PM

Quote from: 02 Park Ave on September 17, 2014, 11:11:21 AM
How does White Hen Pantry rate?

Around here, pretty much vanished.  The one in Porter Square, Cambridge, turned into a much better independent operation, but just got torn down for yet more luxury condos. 

All the others I knew here are gone, as are the Stores24 (I assume that's the proper plural of Store24) and the long-gone Christy's, which were sold to 7-Eleven so the owner could pursue several personal political vendettas.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: PHLBOS on September 17, 2014, 01:58:55 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 17, 2014, 12:02:00 PMAll the others I knew here are gone, as are the Stores24 (I assume that's the proper plural of Store24)
The plural for that convenient store chain would be Store24s.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Pete from Boston on September 17, 2014, 03:10:54 PM

Quote from: PHLBOS on September 17, 2014, 01:58:55 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 17, 2014, 12:02:00 PMAll the others I knew here are gone, as are the Stores24 (I assume that's the proper plural of Store24)
The plural for that convenient store chain would be Store24s.

But, but... Attorneys General! Whoppers Junior! (http://www.theonion.com/articles/william-safire-orders-two-whoppers-junior,3351/)
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: jp the roadgeek on September 18, 2014, 08:03:03 AM
Quote from: shadyjay on September 15, 2014, 08:36:25 PM
RE:  WaWa

There was also a WaWa at the Route 34 split in West Haven, where the divided highway/parkway began... it sat right in the median. 
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.3044932,-72.975356,3a,75y,216.52h,77.52t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sA-BgVxmZznk3-X-ki2Y2aw!2e0

Today it's a Krauzer's, which most of the Wawa's in CT became... there was one in Cromwell just off I-91 at Exit 21 that I used to go to all the time.

The only former Wawa in CT that is not a Krauzer's is the one in New Britain by CCSU. It's some independent name.  Hey, if Yuengling can come back to CT, can they bring Wawa too?
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: PHLBOS on September 18, 2014, 08:27:51 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 17, 2014, 03:10:54 PM

Quote from: PHLBOS on September 17, 2014, 01:58:55 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 17, 2014, 12:02:00 PMAll the others I knew here are gone, as are the Stores24 (I assume that's the proper plural of Store24)
The plural for that convenient store chain would be Store24s.

But, but... Attorneys General! Whoppers Junior! (http://www.theonion.com/articles/william-safire-orders-two-whoppers-junior,3351/)
Given that your linked-source is from The Onion; I offer no comment.

I'm assuming that you posted the above in jest.  :)
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: spooky on September 18, 2014, 10:00:30 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 17, 2014, 03:10:54 PM

Quote from: PHLBOS on September 17, 2014, 01:58:55 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 17, 2014, 12:02:00 PMAll the others I knew here are gone, as are the Stores24 (I assume that's the proper plural of Store24)
The plural for that convenient store chain would be Store24s.

But, but... Attorneys General! Whoppers Junior! (http://www.theonion.com/articles/william-safire-orders-two-whoppers-junior,3351/)

In non-farcical fast food pluralization ridiculousness, the singular of McDonalds' syrup-infused breakfast sandwich is "McGriddles", as in "I'll have a sausage McGriddles".
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: D-Dey65 on September 20, 2014, 11:48:34 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 15, 2014, 12:46:40 PM
Wawa fanatics will have you destroyed!
They probably would.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 15, 2014, 12:46:40 PM
Opening in Florida was a huge operational change for Wawa.  Not only did they have to add a distribution center in Florida, but they started doing things they've never done in the Northeast, such as tables where people could sit and enjoy their food.  Again, the goal was to get you out of their stores and parking lots quickly.  But they're allowing themselves to adapt to the slower and older Florida lifestyle.
Yesterday, I saw one being built on the northwest corner of US 41 and FL 678 (Bearss Avenue) in North Tampa, and there was a motorist service sign indicating one at Exit 51 on I-275 (FL 582/Fowler Avenue). That's two exits south of the one being built along FL 678.

Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Scott5114 on September 20, 2014, 06:01:03 PM
I don't live in Sheets or Wawa territory, so if I was to come across them without my knowledge of their offerings from the forum, I'd probably avoid both of them because their names are frickin' silly.

Then again, I think nothing of going to Kum and Go...
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: jeffandnicole on September 20, 2014, 06:55:05 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 20, 2014, 06:01:03 PM
I don't live in Sheets or Wawa territory, so if I was to come across them without my knowledge of their offerings from the forum, I'd probably avoid both of them because their names are frickin' silly.

Then again, I think nothing of going to Kum and Go...

I'm sure you wouldn't be the first one. For me, I better see several of them before I start considering them!
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Duke87 on September 20, 2014, 07:49:18 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 17, 2014, 10:24:25 AM
Quote from: Duke87 on September 17, 2014, 01:49:53 AM
Tier two contains Wawa, QuickChek, 7 Eleven, Circle K, and Couche-Tard. Establishments which have some brand prominence as places to go, but haven't truly mastered the art.

Huh?  :hmmm:

These places have been in business for decades.  Nearly everyone has heard of 7-11 throughout the country, and if you're in the geographic area of the other stores, you're probably familiar with them too.  Actually, because of their larger territory in more populated areas, more people probably know of Wawa than Sheetz!

All of the convenience stores you mentioned definitely mastered the art of operating a convenience store in the manner they want to operate.  But I think you're trying to say that all convenience stores should be like Sheetz, which would be an incorrect assumption.

I am not speaking in terms of general familiarity or popularity. I am speaking merely in terms of my own personal opinion. I prefer any establishment in tier two to any other convenience store not mentioned, but I prefer Sheetz to any establishment in tier two.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: hbelkins on September 20, 2014, 09:04:37 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 20, 2014, 06:01:03 PM
I don't live in Sheets or Wawa territory, so if I was to come across them without my knowledge of their offerings from the forum, I'd probably avoid both of them because their names are frickin' silly.

Then again, I think nothing of going to Kum and Go...

Sheetz (with a "z") is the name of the family that owns the chain. I went to college with someone whose last name was Sheets (with an "s.") He wasn't from the Altoona, Pa. area, but I suspect one of the spellings is a bastardization of the original.

Wawa's symbol is some kind of bird, and I think "wawa" is some old Indian name for said bird.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Scott5114 on September 20, 2014, 09:43:30 PM
Yeah, I typed the Z, but I am posting from my phone on a break at work and it "corrected" it for me. Eye halve a spiel chequer.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: 02 Park Ave on September 20, 2014, 10:25:39 PM
A Wawa is a "breed" of goose.  There is a town on the north shore of Lake. Superior.in Ontario named Wawa.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Pete from Boston on September 20, 2014, 10:32:30 PM
Before you even get through typing "Wawa meaning," Google displays the suggested result "wawa means wild goose."  I didn't bother to finish typing.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: PHLBOS on September 22, 2014, 11:47:36 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 20, 2014, 10:32:30 PM
Before you even get through typing "Wawa meaning," Google displays the suggested result "wawa means wild goose."  I didn't bother to finish typing.
Many of the older Wawa signs used to sport a goose silhouette just above the name.
Title: Wawa
Post by: Pete from Boston on September 22, 2014, 02:28:38 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on September 22, 2014, 11:47:36 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 20, 2014, 10:32:30 PM
Before you even get through typing "Wawa meaning," Google displays the suggested result "wawa means wild goose."  I didn't bother to finish typing.
Many of the older Wawa signs used to sport a goose silhouette just above the name.

The only Wawa I knew for many years, a tiny strip-mall storefront way up in the north of NJ that was more Krauser's-sized, had this logo, sort of a sunset with geese flying across. This was before geese were considered an invasive nuisance.

As noted, Wawa later left that area.  7-Eleven pretty much runs the show, with a smattering of Krauser's and Quick-Cheks and plenty of independents.  There always seemed to be fewer gas station convenience stores around there than many places, presumably because people historically have not had to get out of the car at New Jersey gas stations.

Are there still any Garden State Farms?  I see a few Google results, but they look like they could be refeeds of old information.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Roadrunner75 on September 22, 2014, 06:33:03 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 22, 2014, 02:28:38 PM
Are there still any Garden State Farms?  I see a few Google results, but they look like they could be refeeds of old information.
Does Jersey Farms count?
https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=40.044403,-74.127266&spn=0.000004,0.002615&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=40.044296,-74.127797&panoid=a-okS3S-Lp3msPfWXukXEw&cbp=12,254.39,,1,-0.9 (https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=40.044403,-74.127266&spn=0.000004,0.002615&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=40.044296,-74.127797&panoid=a-okS3S-Lp3msPfWXukXEw&cbp=12,254.39,,1,-0.9)
Title: Wawa
Post by: Pete from Boston on September 23, 2014, 05:29:47 PM
I don't think so.  Garden State Farms was a convenience store chain I was aware of through the 1970s and maybe into the 1980s, but the ones near me closed after that.  Some became Krauser's.

They were our regular source of ice cream until they closed by us.

The best I can find through casual searching is that a) they produced all their own dairy at a plant in Hawthorne, b) broke the state price controls in the 1960s that kept the milkmen afloat, and c) went bankrupt in the late 1970s, conrinuing on for at least a few years anyway.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: agentsteel53 on September 24, 2014, 06:54:30 PM
I've never thought of Sheetz as being a silly name (mainly because I had a classmate in elementary school who was a Sheetz).

Wawa, on the other hand, is worse than silly: it is infantile.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: PHLBOS on September 25, 2014, 08:50:49 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on September 24, 2014, 06:54:30 PMWawa, on the other hand, is worse than silly: it is infantile.
When I first saw a Wawa after just moving into the Delaware Valley; I thought it was named after a toddler's mispronounciation of the word water.

I found out later that the word was indeed an Indian/Native American term for Canadian goose.

BTW, Wawa still uses the goose as part of its logo; just not on every item or sign.

No, Retired-US Airways pilot Capt. Sully did not campaign to have the goose symbol removed.  :sombrero:
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: BamaZeus on September 25, 2014, 11:27:10 AM
I just can't read this thread without thinking of:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=usGObvP42GM

I do seem to remember Wawa being in CT in the early 80s, but I can't remember exactly where.  That may be my faded memory, though.  I think there was one in Bridgeport downtown near Seaside Park, but I can't find any evidence online for that.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Pete from Boston on September 25, 2014, 11:53:50 AM

Quote from: BamaZeus on September 25, 2014, 11:27:10 AM
I just can't read this thread without thinking of:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=usGObvP42GM

You and me both.  Seems to express  the sentiment of about half the posters here.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Duke87 on September 25, 2014, 08:35:59 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on September 24, 2014, 06:54:30 PM
I've never thought of Sheetz as being a silly name (mainly because I had a classmate in elementary school who was a Sheetz).

I first heard about Sheetz through this forum before I ever laid eyes on one. It came up in a thread about road signs so at first I mistakenly assumed it was a brand of reflective sheeting. :-D
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: signalman on September 26, 2014, 06:34:39 PM
I was introduced to Sheetz back in 2000 when I dated a girl from Lancaster, PA.  They are all over central PA and I quickly fell in love with their MTO sandwiches and other goodies.  I first learned of Wawa in the mid-late 90s in northeastern PA.  I thought it was a bizarre name, but growing up in northern NJ, PA was always perceived as backwards.  So with that said, I didn't think too much of it.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: cpzilliacus on October 01, 2014, 11:38:42 PM
I like both Wawa and Sheetz. 

Parts of Maryland and Delaware also have Royal Farm.

All of the are much better than 7-11.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Laura on October 02, 2014, 08:30:34 AM

Quote from: cpzilliacus on October 01, 2014, 11:38:42 PM
I like both Wawa and Sheetz. 

Parts of Maryland and Delaware also have Royal Farm.

All of the are much better than 7-11.

Royal Farms is seriously starting to give Wawa a run for its money here. They do have the best (fast food) fried chicken, after all.


iPhone
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 02, 2014, 08:37:59 AM
The fried chicken is extremely good there.  The biggest problem is that it's hard to eat on the road and getting grease all over the steering wheel.  Thank goodness for cleaning products, because hell if I'm going to smell that chicken and not eat it while driving.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: J Route Z on October 12, 2014, 10:52:03 PM
Several Wawa's are becoming Pantry 1. It sucks.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: NJRoadfan on October 13, 2014, 01:36:45 AM
Thats nothing new. Almost all the original Wawa locations in North Jersey became Pantry 1 when they retreated from the market.
http://goo.gl/maps/Cs9B0
http://goo.gl/maps/hLD0e
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: PHLBOS on October 13, 2014, 10:47:08 AM
Quote from: J Route Z on October 12, 2014, 10:52:03 PM
Several Wawa's are becoming Pantry 1. It sucks.
A couple of Wawas near me (and I'm located on about a mile from their original home turf) became Pantry 1s several years ago.  The ones that changed over were coincidentally ones that were not open 24 hours when they were Wawas.

Being open 24 hours, I believe, is now what Wawa requires for each of their stores.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: roadman65 on October 13, 2014, 05:26:39 PM
I can tell you the one on West Vine in Kissimmee might close real soon.  Although doing good in the area, that particular location is on the edge of the Kissimmee ghetto.

Already some of the muck is already beginning to use that as the place to panhandle, as two dudes helped themselves to the table I was at one day while eating my lunch.  One was trying to bum a cigarette from me, and I do not smoke, but he then just sat down along with his buddy and started to tell me how good it is that I do not smoke.

Did not ask if he and his friend could join me.  Just sat down like he knew me and did not even know if I had company using the seat next to me either.  Top it off he was harassing people at the gas pumps as well.

I did notice him sitting on the sidewalk outside the property as I drove in.  I could easily tell he was trouble as he had the MO of the usual convenience store pan handler.  However, as luck had it I ended up having them confront me later on. 

Wawa's generally do not like building in certain areas according to a friend of mine in Atlantic City.  She says Wawa does not like Da Hood and stays away from such including high crime areas which is why she says parts of Atlantic City you will not find a Wawa at all.

I assume they just do not know how Kissimmee, FL is just yet as they did build  this one store about a mile from the Plaza del Sol mall area which is known for its sketchy surroundings lately and is only  getting worse according to the locals I talk to at a bar up the street.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: wphiii on October 13, 2014, 05:42:58 PM
I'm genuinely curious as to how you all can possibly discern enough of a difference between various convenience store chains to be able to formulate concrete rankings of them. You can get the same crap at all of them, from where I'm standing the only major dividing line is "does it serve made to order food or not?" (and even amongst those that do, you can't tell me that there's anywhere near enough of a gulf in quality between them to have a definitive opinion one way or the other).
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Roadrunner75 on October 13, 2014, 06:03:06 PM
Quote from: wphiii on October 13, 2014, 05:42:58 PM
I'm genuinely curious as to how you all can possibly discern enough of a difference between various convenience store chains to be able to formulate concrete rankings of them. You can get the same crap at all of them, from where I'm standing the only major dividing line is "does it serve made to order food or not?" (and even amongst those that do, you can't tell me that there's anywhere near enough of a gulf in quality between them to have a definitive opinion one way or the other).
Some of it is rooting for the home team (in my case Wawa), but there are many factors - food quality, selection, price, checkout speed, etc.  Wawa was first in the area to roll out the touch screen ordering, which is now pretty much required to do well in the made to order food convenience store business.  Quick Chek slacked in this department for awhile, and I hated having to wait to tell them what I wanted, sit around until the sandwich was made, and then wait to pay for it while Wawa nearby had the touchscreens and allowed you to prepay and then pick up your food.  Give me convenience or give me death is the American way.  All other things equal, including the touchscreens, I still like Wawa's food and selection better.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: PHLBOS on October 14, 2014, 10:46:29 AM
Quote from: wphiii on October 13, 2014, 05:42:58 PM
I'm genuinely curious as to how you all can possibly discern enough of a difference between various convenience store chains to be able to formulate concrete rankings of them. You can get the same crap at all of them, from where I'm standing the only major dividing line is "does it serve made to order food or not?" (and even amongst those that do, you can't tell me that there's anywhere near enough of a gulf in quality between them to have a definitive opinion one way or the other).
Trust me, there's a world of difference between stores like Wawa, Quickcheck & Sheetz vs. say Pantry 1s and 7-Elevens (who, IMHO, is still stuck in the 80s).  The former-mentioned three treat customers better overall whereas the latter-mentioned ones largely treat customers as if they're an inconvenience.

In my area, most if not all of the 7-Elevens closed up when more Wawas sprouted up.  If everything they offer (products and service) was equal; those 7-Elevens wouldn't have lost their customers/business and closed up.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: ixnay on November 23, 2014, 04:49:35 PM
Thanks PHIBOS for choosing Wawa's 50th anniversary (in the convenience store business) year to start this thread.  It was a chain I grew up with in Delaware County, PA (where they're based on Route 1 across from the [closed] Franklin Mint).

ixnay
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: 1995hoo on November 23, 2014, 04:55:43 PM
I stopped at a Wawa in Prince William County the other day and was a bit surprised to discover 92 octane gas (rather than 93). 92 used to be the norm around here until perhaps the mid-1990s, at which time 93 became the standard. I filled up with the stuff and haven't noticed any difference in how the car runs, but I sure noticed how much cheaper $3.07 a gallon was than $3.37 at the station nearest our house.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: jeffandnicole on November 23, 2014, 05:06:23 PM
Since cars that require premium gas want 91, or at most, 92 octane, the savings is a good trade-off for the insignificant difference in performance.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Pete from Boston on November 23, 2014, 05:08:48 PM

Quote from: ixnay on November 23, 2014, 04:49:35 PM
Thanks PHIBOS for choosing Wawa's 50th anniversary (in the convenience store business) year to start this thread.  It was a chain I grew up with in Delaware County, PA (where they're based on Route 1 across from the [closed] Franklin Mint).

ixnay

The Franklin Mint is closed?  Does this mean all those collectibles that weren't guaranteed to go up in value will now go up in value?
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: cpzilliacus on November 23, 2014, 05:25:03 PM
Quote from: wphiii on October 13, 2014, 05:42:58 PM
I'm genuinely curious as to how you all can possibly discern enough of a difference between various convenience store chains to be able to formulate concrete rankings of them. You can get the same crap at all of them, from where I'm standing the only major dividing line is "does it serve made to order food or not?" (and even amongst those that do, you can't tell me that there's anywhere near enough of a gulf in quality between them to have a definitive opinion one way or the other).

Cleaner, and better overall service at Wawa, Sheetz and Royal Farm, as compared with the dominant chain in the Md./Va./D.C. area, 7-11.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: 1995hoo on November 23, 2014, 06:00:19 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 23, 2014, 05:06:23 PM
Since cars that require premium gas want 91, or at most, 92 octane, the savings is a good trade-off for the insignificant difference in performance.

I don't think it was cheaper because of the lower octane. Sunoco used to offer 87, 89, 91, and 93. The 91 was usually 2¢ a gallon cheaper. I think the difference in price was due to the Wawa being in the next county over where gas is usually cheaper. But I still won't drive down there solely to buy gas because, of course, I have to burn gas in both directions. If the price difference is 30¢ a gallon and I put in 15 gallons, I save $4.50, but it's about 30 miles roundtrip, so in normal traffic I'll use a bit over a gallon roundtrip, reducing the savings to a little over a dollar. Simply not worth it unless I have another reason to be down there.

The only car in which I've noticed a notable difference in performance from the different octane ratings for super unleaded is my brother's 1974 Beetle. Sunoco used to offer a 94 octane (since phased out due to MTBE regulations) and the Beetle loved that gas for some reason, ran far better on that stuff than anything else. I've used all grades from 91 to 94 in my Acura and have never noticed a difference in performance (I usually buy 93 because that's what's available).

BTW, returning to Wawa, the pay-at-the-pump thing didn't print a receipt so I went inside. WAY more cashiers than most other gas station convenience stores I've visited. I quite liked that. (The pay-at-the-pump also took Apple Pay. It didn't say so, but I tried it and it worked just fine.)
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: oscar on November 23, 2014, 06:43:18 PM
I lean mildly to Wawas when I can find them.  One tipping factor is they have recycle bins, so I can hope all the aluminum cans I go through get recycled, rather than get mixed in with the regular trash.  Same goes for most Tim Hortons.

I also like Sheetz, which like Wawa usually has made-to-order food (I prefer the Sheetz menu, but like Wawa's chicken and corn chowder on the days it's available).  Royal Farms, often seen in Maryland, also works for me when I'm not hungry.  As for 7-11s, I like their hot dogs, but otherwise the food isn't great, and restroom availability is uneven even at the stores that have gas pumps.

When I went to school in Connecticut in the late 70s/early 80s, a Wawa C-store (no gas pumps) was the closest one to my part of campus.  I don't recall seeing it on later visits.

The name does remind me of "Black Lassie", a song on Cheech and Chong's "Wedding album" from the 1970s.  That includes a passage where the lead singer lashed out at the guitarist overdoing it on the wah-wah -- "don't you EVER play with your wah-wah, when we're talking about a great American dog, Black Lassie...half dog, half rat" -- as if he were masturbating.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: PHLBOS on December 14, 2018, 01:11:26 PM
Thread Bump:

En lieu of starting a new thread.  Today, the largest Wawa, in terms of floor space, just opened as of 8 AM this morning (Dec. 14, 2018) across the street from Independence Hall in Philadelphia (corner of Chestnut & 6th Streets).

World's Largest Wawa Opens in Old City (https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2018/12/14/worlds-largest-wawa-opens-in-old-city/)

Opening Day = Standing Room Only to buy or order something.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 14, 2018, 01:41:49 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on December 14, 2018, 01:11:26 PM
Thread Bump:

En lieu of starting a new thread.  Today, the largest Wawa, in terms of floor space, just opened as of 8 AM this morning (Dec. 14, 2018) across the street from Independence Hall in Philadelphia (corner of Chestnut & 6th Streets).

World's Largest Wawa Opens in Old City (https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2018/12/14/worlds-largest-wawa-opens-in-old-city/)

Opening Day = Standing Room Only to buy or order something.

The story from the Philly Inquirer:

http://www2.philly.com/news/wawa-independence-hall-opening-flagship-store-philadelphia-center-city-20181214.html

And this sums up how much Wawa is loved around here...

QuoteA group of friends from Drexel University were first in line at the store in the old Public Ledger Building at Sixth and Chestnut Streets, arriving at 5:52 a.m....By 10 minutes before opening, hundreds of people had flooded the line. Curious tourists visiting nearby Independence Hall looked on in amazement when informed that the line was, indeed, for the opening of a convenience store.


Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: hbelkins on December 14, 2018, 04:05:57 PM
And it still won't be as good as Sheetz.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: 74/171FAN on December 14, 2018, 04:19:34 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 14, 2018, 04:05:57 PM
And it still won't be as good as Sheetz.

I think Wawa's food is actually better even though Sheetz is the better overall.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Brandon on December 14, 2018, 04:35:02 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 14, 2018, 04:05:57 PM
And it still won't be as good as Sheetz.

And they're still both just convenience stores with filling stations.  I fail to see why either creates all that much excitement.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: US71 on December 16, 2018, 07:08:35 PM
Quote from: Brandon on December 14, 2018, 04:35:02 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 14, 2018, 04:05:57 PM
And it still won't be as good as Sheetz.

And they're still both just convenience stores with filling stations.  I fail to see why either creates all that much excitement.

I'm inclined to concur. It's mostly hype IMO. Like 90 percent of all gasoline is the same.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 14, 2020, 01:02:50 PM
Wawa has decided to enter the burger contest, a la Sheetz, and competing against the monster burger chains.  Right now, they're test marketing the burgers in 6 locations.

So far, based on the reviews of two newspapers that tend to have glowing articles about Wawa, the burger experiment needs to be put to rest real quick.

https://www.inquirer.com/food/wawa-burger-chicken-sandwich-waffle-fries-fast-food-phht-20200213.html

https://www.nj.com/food/2020/02/wawa-has-burgers-now-and-they-are-beyond-awful.html
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 03, 2021, 11:10:44 PM
https://www.inquirer.com/news/wawa-sheetz-partnership-special-olympics-pennsylvania-polar-pop-20210203.html

Quote
Wawa CEO Chris Gheysens and Sheetz CEO Joe Sheetz teamed up "in a show of unification"  to take Special Olympic Pennsylvania's virtual Polar Pop challenge this month to raise money for the nonprofit.

It's long been known the 2 CEOs are good friends.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: D-Dey65 on March 12, 2021, 10:51:50 PM
Who here has had some of their spicy Macaroni and Cheese dinners? Evidently I'm one of the few customers at my local Wawa franchise who can handle the siracha flavored mac & cheese.

Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: jeffandnicole on September 13, 2021, 03:27:30 PM
While a lot of people love Wawa, some don't want to see them built, especially near their homes.  But a recent article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, about a proposed store, may take the cake of some of the lamest excuses, including they don't want a 24/7 store and all of its overnight lighting, even though it's going into a shopping center with a 24 hour business already there (Planet Fitness), and loss of "Open Space"...which consists of small, 16 foot wide median with 1 tree to be removed in exchange for an additional left turn lane.

The store's location would be within an existing shopping center.  They're tearing down two closed businesses, one of which they try using the sentimental groveling of the 'former' Community Theatre, which closed over 35 years ago and was converted into the existing strip mall.  It currently operates as a pet food store.

https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/wawa-rejected-cherry-hill-barclay-farm-20210912.html

Links to other, related stories are included within the article.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: NJRoadfan on September 13, 2021, 04:49:30 PM
Wawa's biggest problem right now seems to be staffing their stores. They keep expanding without much regards to having anyone run the new locations! I know the labor shortages are a universal problem right now, but how many other chains are aggressively expanding at the same level as Wawa?

Locally we had a Wawa plan rejected because it was legit too close to a residential area (in Scotch Plains NJ). To complicate matters, part of the planned site needed to be rezoned from residential.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: US71 on September 13, 2021, 05:53:43 PM
Quote from: NJRoadfan on September 13, 2021, 04:49:30 PM
Wawa's biggest problem right now seems to be staffing their stores. They keep expanding without much regards to having anyone run the new locations! I know the labor shortages are a universal problem right now, but how many other chains are aggressively expanding at the same level as Wawa?

Locally we had a Wawa plan rejected because it was legit too close to a residential area (in Scotch Plains NJ). To complicate matters, part of the planned site needed to be rezoned from residential.

Casey's General Store has the same problem: not enough able bodies willing to work.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: SSOWorld on September 13, 2021, 06:44:20 PM
Quote from: Brandon on December 14, 2018, 04:35:02 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 14, 2018, 04:05:57 PM
And it still won't be as good as Sheetz.

And they're still both just convenience stores with filling stations.  I fail to see why either creates all that much excitement.
Just like Buc-ee's. 🙄
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: NJRoadfan on March 11, 2022, 06:58:26 PM
Rumor has it that Wawa is looking to expand into the Carolinas and Georgia, closing the gap between their Florida stores and the Northeast.

https://www.wral.com/wawa-to-open-stores-in-nc-by-end-of-2024/20182662/
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: oscar on March 11, 2022, 08:33:50 PM
Quote from: Brandon on December 14, 2018, 04:35:02 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 14, 2018, 04:05:57 PM
And it still won't be as good as Sheetz.

And they're still both just convenience stores with filling stations.  I fail to see why either creates all that much excitement.

Both have good customized made-to-order food, not just "grab and go" like at a 7-11.  Some Wawa offerings I particularly like include made-to-order pita bread sandwiches (hard to find elsewhere), and grab and go bagel and egg breakfast sandwiches, as well as chicken bites in non-breakfast hours. Sheetz has made-to-order bagel, egg, and cheese sandwiches I order with ham, and not just during breakfast hours.

Also, Wawa stores with gas pumps usually have recycle bins, so I can dispose of all the aluminum cans I go through with a fair chance they won't end up in a landfill. Some Sheetz stores also have recycle bins, including the one off I-70 in Wheeling WV. West of there, aluminum can recycling is harder to come by, so I usually stop there even if I don't need gas.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: skluth on March 11, 2022, 09:19:51 PM
I just discovered this thread. One of the things I missed when I left Tidewater in 2007 was Wawa. One opened near the Navy Base while I was working nearby at the now defunct JFCOM. It was very popular for many, including me, for grabbing a quick lunch. I often got gas there as I thought the price was competitive. The closest equivalent I had when I moved back to St Louis was QuikTrip.

I didn't know wawa was the Ojibwa word for goose. I did, however, know about this huge goose statue alongside the Trans-Canada Highway in Wawa and was surprised nobody mentioned it. I got to see this giant piece of kitsch on a vacation around Lake Superior when I was in junior high.

(https://www.northernontario.travel/sites/default/files/styles/cover_proportional/public/newwawagoose_monument_0.jpg?itok=MI1vpND1)
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: KeithE4Phx on March 11, 2022, 09:24:38 PM
Quote from: skluth on March 11, 2022, 09:19:51 PM
I just discovered this thread. One of the things I missed when I left Tidewater in 2007 was Wawa. One opened near the Navy Base while I was working nearby at the now defunct JFCOM. It was very popular for many, including me, for grabbing a quick lunch. I often got gas there as I thought the price was competitive. The closest equivalent I had when I moved back to St Louis was QuikTrip.

I didn't know wawa was the Ojibwa word for goose. I did, however, know about this huge goose statue alongside the Trans-Canada Highway in Wawa and was surprised nobody mentioned it. I got to see this giant piece of kitsch on a vacation around Lake Superior when I was in junior high.

(https://www.northernontario.travel/sites/default/files/styles/cover_proportional/public/newwawagoose_monument_0.jpg?itok=MI1vpND1)

My family did a trip around Lake Superior back in 1968, and stayed overnight in Wawa.  I think I have a picture of that goose somewhere in my storage locker.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: tolbs17 on March 11, 2022, 10:57:25 PM
Quote from: NJRoadfan on March 11, 2022, 06:58:26 PM
Rumor has it that Wawa is looking to expand into the Carolinas and Georgia, closing the gap between their Florida stores and the Northeast.

https://www.wral.com/wawa-to-open-stores-in-nc-by-end-of-2024/20182662/
There's a perfect location for it on the NC 11 Bypass and NC 102 in Ayden. - https://www.google.com/maps/@35.4759444,-77.4442469,1821m/data=!3m1!1e3

Another good candidate is US-264 and NC-43 here - https://www.google.com/maps/@35.629992,-77.4359279,2802m/data=!3m1!1e3

Here could use a convenience store as well - https://www.google.com/maps/@35.5629327,-77.4599062,2359m/data=!3m1!1e3

Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: 7/8 on March 11, 2022, 11:39:45 PM
Quote from: skluth on March 11, 2022, 09:19:51 PM
I just discovered this thread. One of the things I missed when I left Tidewater in 2007 was Wawa. One opened near the Navy Base while I was working nearby at the now defunct JFCOM. It was very popular for many, including me, for grabbing a quick lunch. I often got gas there as I thought the price was competitive. The closest equivalent I had when I moved back to St Louis was QuikTrip.

I didn't know wawa was the Ojibwa word for goose. I did, however, know about this huge goose statue alongside the Trans-Canada Highway in Wawa and was surprised nobody mentioned it. I got to see this giant piece of kitsch on a vacation around Lake Superior when I was in junior high.

Lol when I saw this thread pop up my first thought was "should I post the Wawa Goose to be funny?", but you beat me to it. :-D As an Ontarian, Wawa will always be the town first and the gas station second. :colorful:
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: SectorZ on March 12, 2022, 09:25:55 AM
Quote from: NJRoadfan on September 13, 2021, 04:49:30 PM
Wawa's biggest problem right now seems to be staffing their stores. They keep expanding without much regards to having anyone run the new locations! I know the labor shortages are a universal problem right now, but how many other chains are aggressively expanding at the same level as Wawa?

It's a problem in parts of New England as well. There are two Cumberland Farms locations in close proximity in Reading and Wakefield (each of MA 129 on opposing sides of I-95). The Wakefield one reduced its hours last fall, and recently outright closed temporarily due to the staffing issues for a couple of weeks.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: Takumi on March 12, 2022, 04:23:06 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on March 11, 2022, 11:39:45 PM
Quote from: skluth on March 11, 2022, 09:19:51 PM
I just discovered this thread. One of the things I missed when I left Tidewater in 2007 was Wawa. One opened near the Navy Base while I was working nearby at the now defunct JFCOM. It was very popular for many, including me, for grabbing a quick lunch. I often got gas there as I thought the price was competitive. The closest equivalent I had when I moved back to St Louis was QuikTrip.

I didn't know wawa was the Ojibwa word for goose. I did, however, know about this huge goose statue alongside the Trans-Canada Highway in Wawa and was surprised nobody mentioned it. I got to see this giant piece of kitsch on a vacation around Lake Superior when I was in junior high.

Lol when I saw this thread pop up my first thought was "should I post the Wawa Goose to be funny?", but you beat me to it. :-D As an Ontarian, Wawa will always be the town first and the gas station second. :colorful:

Heh, to South Africans "Wawa"  is a slang term for a vagina. My girlfriend always giggles when the store comes up.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: 1995hoo on March 12, 2022, 04:35:31 PM
When I see "Wawa" I think of George Harrison's song "Wah-Wah."
Title: Re: Wa
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on March 12, 2022, 04:52:26 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on March 12, 2022, 09:25:55 AM
Quote from: NJRoadfan on September 13, 2021, 04:49:30 PM
Wawa's biggest problem right now seems to be staffing their stores. They keep expanding without much regards to having anyone run the new locations! I know the labor shortages are a universal problem right now, but how many other chains are aggressively expanding at the same level as Wawa?

It's a problem in parts of New England as well. There are two Cumberland Farms locations in close proximity in Reading and Wakefield (each of MA 129 on opposing sides of I-95). The Wakefield one reduced its hours last fall, and recently outright closed temporarily due to the staffing issues for a couple of weeks.

Agreed, it us a problem everywhere. The last time I was in Philly last fall, I of course made numerous trips to Wawa and was surprised by the lines and the dearth of staff. And last week, I was at a Cumberland Farms in Amherst and the line went around the entire store
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: bzakharin on March 12, 2022, 09:28:38 PM
Quote from: Takumi on March 12, 2022, 04:23:06 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on March 11, 2022, 11:39:45 PM
Quote from: skluth on March 11, 2022, 09:19:51 PM
I just discovered this thread. One of the things I missed when I left Tidewater in 2007 was Wawa. One opened near the Navy Base while I was working nearby at the now defunct JFCOM. It was very popular for many, including me, for grabbing a quick lunch. I often got gas there as I thought the price was competitive. The closest equivalent I had when I moved back to St Louis was QuikTrip.

I didn't know wawa was the Ojibwa word for goose. I did, however, know about this huge goose statue alongside the Trans-Canada Highway in Wawa and was surprised nobody mentioned it. I got to see this giant piece of kitsch on a vacation around Lake Superior when I was in junior high.

Lol when I saw this thread pop up my first thought was "should I post the Wawa Goose to be funny?", but you beat me to it. :-D As an Ontarian, Wawa will always be the town first and the gas station second. :colorful:

Heh, to South Africans "Wawa"  is a slang term for a vagina. My girlfriend always giggles when the store comes up.
In Russian it means something like "boo-boo", a kid's word for a small bruise or the like. It was amusing for awhile
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 23, 2022, 10:39:02 AM
Wawa has announced they're building their first store in Alabama.

https://www.csnews.com/wawa-selects-site-first-alabama-convenience-store

For someone who lives in the heart of Wawa's base market, this is an unfortunate expansion that, while many people that want or miss Wawa will favor, it dilutes the brand. They can't focus in their core area and offerings when they are trying to appease an entirely different market.

The article also quickly draws a comparison between them and Buc-ees. They are not the same. Wawa boasts fast service. They want you in, out, and on your way. Buc-ees is one step away from offering a motel room so you can spend all day there 
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: formulanone on October 24, 2022, 07:11:54 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 23, 2022, 10:39:02 AM
Wawa has announced they're building their first store in Alabama.

For someone who lives in the heart of Wawa's base market, this is an unfortunate expansion that, while many people that want or miss Wawa will favor, it dilutes the brand.

Different strokes for different folks? If the offerings aren't a little different in each area, then they wouldn't be paying attention. I'm sure there's some variety at a store near the shore that's different from those inland. And there's nothing in the article saying it's going to be a "Bucee's-lite".

There is no major convenience store with a stronghold in the state, it's mostly local stores.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: epzik8 on October 24, 2022, 07:38:14 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 23, 2022, 10:39:02 AM
Wawa has announced they're building their first store in Alabama.

https://www.csnews.com/wawa-selects-site-first-alabama-convenience-store

For someone who lives in the heart of Wawa's base market, this is an unfortunate expansion that, while many people that want or miss Wawa will favor, it dilutes the brand. They can't focus in their core area and offerings when they are trying to appease an entirely different market.

The article also quickly draws a comparison between them and Buc-ees. They are not the same. Wawa boasts fast service. They want you in, out, and on your way. Buc-ees is one step away from offering a motel room so you can spend all day there

Amazing. Wawa is going places now.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: NJRoadfan on October 26, 2022, 06:32:14 PM
Fairhope isn't too far from Florida and their planned panhandle locations, a logical expansion. I don't see them going too far inland though.
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 26, 2022, 06:46:17 PM
Quote from: formulanone on October 24, 2022, 07:11:54 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 23, 2022, 10:39:02 AM
Wawa has announced they're building their first store in Alabama.

For someone who lives in the heart of Wawa's base market, this is an unfortunate expansion that, while many people that want or miss Wawa will favor, it dilutes the brand.

Different strokes for different folks? If the offerings aren't a little different in each area, then they wouldn't be paying attention. I'm sure there's some variety at a store near the shore that's different from those inland. 

The shore locations are exactly the same. The variety in the northeast can be summed up with: In VA and some PA stores you'll find beer. That's about it.

Quote
And there's nothing in the article saying it's going to be a "Bucee's-lite".

3rd Paragraph is where the comparison was drawn: "And we are excited about it, I mean, we are all familiar with Buc-ee's so it's kind of a smaller version of Buc-ee's..."
Title: Re: Wawa
Post by: formulanone on October 27, 2022, 08:54:11 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 26, 2022, 06:46:17 PM
Quote from: formulanone on October 24, 2022, 07:11:54 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 23, 2022, 10:39:02 AM
Wawa has announced they're building their first store in Alabama.

For someone who lives in the heart of Wawa's base market, this is an unfortunate expansion that, while many people that want or miss Wawa will favor, it dilutes the brand.

Different strokes for different folks? If the offerings aren't a little different in each area, then they wouldn't be paying attention. I'm sure there's some variety at a store near the shore that's different from those inland. 

The shore locations are exactly the same. The variety in the northeast can be summed up with: In VA and some PA stores you'll find beer. That's about it.

Quote
And there's nothing in the article saying it's going to be a "Bucee's-lite".

3rd Paragraph is where the comparison was drawn: "And we are excited about it, I mean, we are all familiar with Buc-ee's so it's kind of a smaller version of Buc-ee's..."

It'll probably be 10-20% the size of a Buc-ee's, honestly. Wawas in Florida have like 16-24 pumps and adequate parking. Maybe they'll try something a little larger but I don't think they'll be these 90-100 pump monoliths. Add in a few more bathroom stalls and call it a day. I wouldn't worry that they'll suddenly need to offer folding knives behind a glass counter and some tacky confederate flag merch just to stay relevant.

The beaver stores are ginormous now...and that's kind of annoying if you just want to stop quickly and then get back on the road, instead of threading through so many items and people wandering around in all directions (which is their intent).