Wawa is one of the most popular convenience store chains in America, with over 950 locations across seven states.
People everywhere flock to Wawa for its wide selection of delicious food and drinks – not to mention the excellent customer service they provide.
Given its widespread popularity, it’s no surprise that many people are interested in franchising a Wawa location.
So, does Wawa offer franchise opportunities? And if so, what does it take to be a Wawa franchisee?
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Wawa franchise opportunities.
We’ll discuss the company’s history and whether they offer franchise opportunities and alternative business opportunities for those interested in becoming a Wawa franchisee.
About the Wawa
When it comes to convenience stores, Wawa is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in America.
It’s been around since the early 19th century, has hundreds of locations nationwide, and is known for its chain of convenience stores and gas stations.
Open 24/7 all year long, Wawa’s stores offer customers everything you would expect from a convenience store — drinks, snacks, lottery tickets, gas (at most locations), and a wide selection of pre-made food.
One of the things that make Wawa stand out is its delicious hoagies. This sandwich is so popular that people often come to Wawa specifically for it.
With its freshly baked rolls, high-quality meats, and delicious cheeses, it’s no wonder Wawa’s hoagies are a hit.
Wawa also offers free air for tires, a unique feature among convenience stores. This service is particularly useful for drivers who need to inflate their tires but don’t want to pay.
If you need cash, Wawa’s no-charge ATMs are a lifesaver. The convenience store chain has ATMs that are free to use for everyone, even if you’re not a Wawa customer.
This makes it a great place to stop by and withdraw cash without having to pay unnecessary fees.
Overall, Wawa offers a great combination of convenience, quality, and service. With its hoagies, free air for tires, and no-charge ATMs, it’s not hard to see why people keep coming back to this convenience store chain.
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History of Wawa
Wawa’s history can be traced back to 1803, when it began as an iron foundry in New Jersey.
It was owned and operated by the Wood family for generations, starting with George Wood, who moved from New Jersey to Delaware County, Pennsylvania, in 1890.
George then began the Wawa Dairy Farm, where he imported cows from the British Crown dependency island of Guernsey and bought 1,000 acres of land in the Chester Heights area.
In 1902, Wawa began a small processing plant to package milk and other products.
By the 1920s, the company had seen rapid growth and continued expanding its offerings of fresh food, dairy products, and other groceries.
However, with the rise of supermarkets in the 1960s, home delivery of milk and other dairy products became less common, and Wawa needed to adapt to stay relevant.
It was at this time that Grahame Wood, George Wood’s grandson, opened the first Wawa Food Market in Folsom, Pennsylvania, in 1964.
This marked the beginning of the Wawa convenience store chain we know today.
Since then, Wawa has grown to over 950 stores across seven states, with 750 of these stores offering gasoline.
It is one of the most popular convenience store chains in America, known for its commitment to quality, convenience, and exceptional customer service.
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Franchise Model Table
| Initial Investment | N/A |
| Franchise | NO |
| Franchise Fee | N/A |
| Estimated Outlets | 950+ |
How Much Does It Cost To Open A Wawa Franchise?
Although Wawa is a successful and beloved convenience store chain, unfortunately, it does not offer franchise opportunities.
This means that if you’re interested in opening a Wawa location, you’ll have to explore other options.
Wawa has been privately held since 1964, and its stores are company-owned.
This is a deliberate decision that the company has made to maintain consistency and quality across all its locations.
While it’s always disappointing to learn that a successful and popular company like Wawa isn’t available for franchising, there are still plenty of other opportunities out there if you’re interested in opening your own convenience store.
There are many other franchise chains out there that focus on convenience and quality, and they may offer a better fit for your interests and goals.
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Why Doesn’t Wawa Offer Franchising?
One of the unique aspects of Wawa is that it does not offer franchise opportunities.
This is because Wawa is a privately held company, with all of its stores being company-owned.
This means that the company has complete control over every aspect of its business, from the products it offers to the customer service it provides.
The company’s decision to remain privately held is rooted in its commitment to consistency and quality.
By owning and operating every store, Wawa can ensure that every location meets its high standards for service and amenities.
This dedication to consistency is so strong that if you were blindfolded and taken to Wawa stores in different states, you’d likely have a hard time telling the difference.
This is evidence of Wawa’s commitment to excellence, and it is one of the key factors behind its success.
Another factor that may contribute to Wawa’s decision to remain a private company is the fact that it has been successful without the need for franchising.
Since opening its first convenience store in 1964, Wawa has grown into one of the most popular chains in America.
Wawa Revenue & Profit
Wawa is a company that has been successful in its sector for decades, growing and evolving with the times to ensure that it stays relevant and provides its customers with the service and quality that they deserve.
As of 2022, the company’s revenue sits at an impressive $14.93 billion, up from the previous year’s $11 billion. This is a clear indication of Wawa’s ongoing growth and success.
Considering Wawa has around 950 stores, and the revenue was evenly split between all of them, the average store makes around $15 million in revenue every year.
This figure is even more impressive when you consider that Wawa doesn’t offer franchising opportunities, meaning that each store is owned and operated by the same company.
In terms of revenue per employee ratio, Wawa has 37,000 employees, meaning that each employee generated around $400,000 in revenue.
This figure is higher than the average of most convenience store chains and speaks to the company’s efficiency and success.
What Are Some Alternatives To Wawa Franchise?
Unfortunately, Wawa does not offer franchise opportunities. However, there are many other convenience store franchises if you’re interested in opening your own convenience store.
Here are some of the most popular convenience store franchises available:
7-Eleven
If you’re disappointed that Wawa doesn’t offer franchise opportunities, don’t give up on your dream of running a successful convenience store just yet. 7-Eleven, for instance, is a great alternative to consider.
Founded in 1927, 7-Eleven is a global chain of retail stores that offer a variety of products, including snacks, drinks, packaged foods, and toiletries.
With over 78,000 stores worldwide, 7-Eleven is widely recognized for its quality products, excellent customer service, and convenience.
Opening a 7-Eleven franchise requires an initial investment of $69,650–$1,233,900, depending on factors such as location, size, and products offered.
As a 7-Eleven franchise owner, you’ll receive an extensive support system that includes training, marketing, supply chain management, and ongoing support from the company.
Save A Lot
If you’re still searching for a great alternative to Wawa, Save A Lot might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Founded in 1977, Save A Lot is a popular discount grocery store chain that aims to provide its customers with quality products at affordable prices.
With over 900 locations in the United States, this chain is popular with savvy shoppers looking to save money.
As a franchisee, you’ll receive extensive support and training from the company, including assistance with site selection, store design, and ongoing operations.
The initial investment required to open a Save A Lot franchise ranges from $750,000 to $1,500,000 and may include additional fees.
Save A Lot is well-known for its impressive selection of fresh produce, meats, and other grocery items, as well as its emphasis on customer service.
So if you’re interested in opening a franchise that offers affordable prices, high-quality products, and excellent support from the company, Save A Lot is a great option to consider.
Wawa Comparison
| Company | Wawa | 7-Eleven |
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1964 | 1927 |
| Franchise Fee | N/A | $25,000 |
| Initial Investment | N/A | $69,650–$1,233,900 |
| Number of Outlets | 950+ | 78,000+ |
Conclusion
Wawa is undoubtedly a successful and profitable company, with impressive annual revenues and a steady growth rate.
Unfortunately, the company does not offer franchise opportunities, so aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own convenience store should explore other options.
Luckily, there are many great alternatives out there when it comes to convenience franchises.
7-Eleven and Save A Lot both offer quality products, excellent customer service, and extensive support from the company.
So if you’re interested in starting your own convenience store business, these two franchises are definitely worth considering.
FAQs
Does Wawa Offer Franchising?
No, Wawa does not offer franchising opportunities.
Who Owns Wawa?
Wawa is a family-owned company that is currently owned and operated by the Wood family.
How Much Does It Cost To Open a Franchise Similar to Wawa?
The cost to open a franchise similar to Wawa can vary depending on the company and location.
However, the initial investment required typically ranges from $69,650 to $1,500,000.
Amit Gupta is an experienced expert in digital marketing and co-founder of DrFranchises. With more than 11 years of knowledge in franchise digital marketing, SEO, email marketing, and social media marketing, Amit has helped many brands achieve incredible success online. As a passionate entrepreneur and owner of 7 franchises, he continues to study franchise models, looking at costs, revenue, and profitability to guide brands toward profitable growth. When he’s not working on digital marketing, Amit enjoys spending time playing with his beloved dog.