Wawa to build first drive-thru, pickup only store

Wawa is exploring new store formats.

The Pennsylvania-based convenience store chain, which operates more than 630 stores, announced plans to build a 1,850-sq.-ft. freestanding drive-thru location in Falls Township, Pa. It will be Wawa’s first-ever store solely focused on drive-thru and curbside pickup service. The architectural design is based on key Wawa brand elements such as the trademarked canopy, while the offer is focused on fresh food in a drive-thru experience. 

With an ongoing mission of providing convenience for customers, “Wawa continues to test new store concepts with this latest drive-thru format, providing an opportunity for our customers to still experience and enjoy their favorite Wawa products while remaining inside their vehicle,” said Terri Micklin, director of construction, Wawa. “It is critical to provide new ways to access Wawa, increase convenience, and provide new options for service.” 

Wawa plans to begin construction of the drive-thru store in late August 2020 with a targeted opening date of December 2020. 

“We are hoping to learn from the layout, workflow and traffic flow at this location, as we continue to explore alternatives for longer term application to our stores post-COVID-19,” said Micklin. “We appreciate the opportunity to partner with Falls Township officials, who are providing us with the approvals and support of this newly designed store format that will be of benefit to the community.” 

In addition to the freestanding drive-thru, Wawa plans to add a drive-thru feature to a new store currently under construction in Westhampton, N.J.