STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Wawa representatives this week unveiled another location planned for State College, Pennsylvania, during a community partnership event at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, and “discussed an expansion that is projected to bring 10 stores to Centre and surrounding counties in the next five years,” reported local outlet State College.
The new site, near the intersection of East College Avenue and Squirrel Drive in College Township, marks Wawa’s fourth location under contract in Centre County. It joins previously reported plans for stores in Benner Township, Potter Township, and Ferguson Township.
John Poplawski, Wawa’s chief real estate officer, said the Potter Township store is likely to open first, followed by College Township, then Benner Township, and finally Ferguson Township. However, he cautioned that opening dates remain uncertain. “We’re partnering with all the local officials, but things don’t happen overnight,” Poplawski said.
Wawa’s push westward comes as other convenience and travel center operators announce their own expansion milestones:
- ampm, part of the BP brand, recently opened two new California stores in Elk Grove and Stockton, highlighting its “regional expansion on the West Coast.” The Elk Grove location spans 3,349 square feet with 18 fueling positions, while the Stockton site offers 3,400 square feet, 25 fueling positions, and a car wash. Both celebrated grand openings with giveaways and ribbon cuttings.
- Love’s Travel Stops reopened its Seminole, Oklahoma, travel stop after a “complete raze and rebuild,” featuring modernized amenities, larger restrooms, four remodeled showers, expanded parking, and seven RV spaces. Love’s has also added a new travel stop in Big Spring, Texas, with a Love’s Fresh Kitchen, Arby’s, and Dunkin’.
- Rutter’s, based in Pennsylvania, remodeled its York store at Route 30 and Sherman Street with a new coffee island, upgraded ready-to-eat food bar, expanded seating, and a forthcoming 29-degree beer cave.
For Centre County, Wawa’s arrival marks a long-awaited move into a market historically dominated by its rival, Sheetz. Poplawski emphasized the company’s commitment to building not just stores but “a strong sense of community” as it invests $7.5 million per location and hires 35 employees per site.
