Wawa, the Pennsylvania-based convenience store and gas station chain, plans to open more than 40 stores across south Alabama and the Florida Panhandle over the next eight to 10 years, according to the Mobile Chamber.
The first wave includes two locations in Mobile County, four in Baldwin County and two in Pensacola. Construction is expected to begin in mid-2023, with stores opening in 2024.
“We are delighted to have Wawa in this area,” said Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne. “It is an affirmation of the economic growth here because they’ve done their market study.”
The expansion is expected to create about 1,400 jobs, with each store employing roughly 35 associates.
“We’re thrilled to be flying into the Florida Panhandle and South Alabama region,” said Robert Yeatts, Wawa’s senior director of store operations.