Wawa Plans To Open First Stores in Kentucky

The retail convenience chain Wawa has broken ground on its first stores in the state of Kentucky. This year, Wawa plans to start construction on four stores in the state (plus one in Clarksville, Indiana), with the eventual goal of 40 total locations throughout Kentucky. The first two new stores, which have officially launched construction, are “projected to open late second quarter of 2025,” according to Wawa’s announcement.

Lex18 News reports that the store’s newest location drew more than a hundred people to the town of Nicholasville. Construction will also begin in 2024 on locations in the towns of Georgetown and Louisville.

“I’m proud of the work we’re doing on a local level, I’m proud of the work we’re doing on a state level, it’s great to be a Kentuckian, and it’s great to live in Jessamine county,” said Representative Matt Lockett.

Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman declared that the chain is a “reminder of the historic economic momentum that we are seeing in Kentucky right now.” She said that Wawa has “great timing” because its “coming in at a time when Kentucky is leading the way in so many ways.”

Wawa spoke of its expansion of these new stores in the press release. Joe Collins, director of store operations for Wawa, shared his excitement in a company statement.

“We are excited to begin construction on our stores in Kentucky as we get closer to bringing the unique Wawa experience to new customers in more markets. We look forward to continuing to spread our wings in Kentucky and can’t wait to get started serving our new friends and neighbors,” he said.

As part of the groundbreaking, Wawa and The Wawa Foundation announced contributions to two community partners in Kentucky. According to the release, “Dare to Care and God’s Pantry Food Banks each received a grant of $10,000 from The Wawa Foundation Fly Beyond Fund.”

The first Wawa Food Market opened in 1964 in Pennsylvania as an outlet for dairy products. Presently, the store is a one-stop shop for freshly prepared foods, beverages, coffee, fuel services, and surcharge-free ATMs.

Wawa stores are located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, Alabama, and Washington, D.C., with more than 1,050 locations to date.