Wawa Celebrates 50th Store in Florida With Grand Opening in Orlando -- Announces Plans for Continued Expansion for the Next 50 Florida Wawa Stores

ORLANDO, FL--(Marketwired - Sep 17, 2014) - Wawa Inc., today announced a major milestone in its Florida expansion -- the grand opening of its 50^th store in Florida -- located at 4100 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando. The milestone store celebration will include the announcement of the areas where Wawa's next 50 Florida stores will be located; donations to nonprofits; a proclamation from the City of Orlando; a ceremonial ribbon cutting; and free coffee in all Wawa stores statewide. 

On Thursday, September 18, at 10:00 a.m.., the grand opening celebration of Wawa's newest Orlando store will begin. Orlando City Commissioner Tony Ortiz; representatives from Winnie Palmer Hospital for Moms and Babies, All Children's Hospital, Second Harvest Food Bank, Feeding America Tampa Bay, USO of Central Florida, and the American Red Cross; City of Orlando police and firefighters and Orange County sheriff's department and fire rescue; Wawa associates and customers; and Wawa's mascot, Wally Goose, will join in a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Other Highlights Include:

• A parade of Wawa customers with signs sharing their memories of Wawa entering the Florida market.
• Wawa associates and community members joining in the parade of Florida milestones.
• Wawa and The Wawa Foundation presenting a total of $150,000 to representatives ($25,000 to each organization) from Winnie Palmer Hospital for Moms and Babies, All Children's Hospital, Second Harvest Food Bank, Feeding America Tampa Bay, USO of Central Florida, and the American Red Cross to further the organizations efforts and services throughout the state of Florida. 
• Orlando Commissioner, Tony Ortiz presenting Wawa with a proclamation from the City of Orlando, proclaiming September 18, 2014 to be Wawa Day.
• The first 50 customers that morning receiving special 50^th themed prize packs including
• FREE coffee all day on September 18 in every Florida Wawa store to show appreciation to all customers.
• The City of Orlando firefighters and police officers, followed by the Orange County sheriff's department and fire rescue, facing off in a hoagie building double header competition.
• Chiefs of both the City of Orlando and Orange County inducted into the Hoagies for Heroes hall of fame.
• Wawa's President & CEO, Chris Gheysens and Chairman discusses Wawa's continued expansion in Florida.

"We could not be more excited to celebrate this incredible milestone in our newest Wawaland," said Chris Gheysens, Wawa's President and CEO. "It's hard to believe just two years ago we were the new kids on the block in Orlando, and now we have 50 locations in Florida! We are so honored to be a part of, serve in, and support these wonderful communities. In many ways it feels like Florida has always been a part of our Wawa family, and we're excited to see the many ways we can continue to, not only serve, but fulfill customers' lives every day in our next 50 Florida locations and beyond!"