First of two city outlets opens doors
Waycross finally has its Wawa — and another one isn’t far behind.
A little more than two years after news broke the Pennsylvania-based company was locating a store here, the facility at 1810 S. Georgia Parkway W. opened its doors last week with much fanfare and community celebration.
The grand opening gala Thursday, May 15 included music by the Ware County High School band, remarks from Wawa and community officials, a sandw ich-making competition and plenty of antics by mascot “Wally Goose” before a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
It will be the first of two openings in Waycross for the company. Its second location at the intersection of Me-morial Drive and Brunswick Highway is in the final stages of construction, but no timetable has been announced for that outlet being operational.
A countdown to opening the doors began at 7:45 a.m. with Wawa General Manager Angela Pipitone ticking off the final five minutes to the 8 a.m. welcome for a collection of customers ready to get sample the convenience store’s offerings.
The first 100 through the door received a T-shirt to commemorate the day while everyone could enjoy free coffee. The location continues offering free coffee through May 25.
While dozens of people placed orders for food and beverages inside using touch screen kiosks, Area Manager Tom Howard welcomed those gathered outside and offered a brief history of the company.
Remarks by State Rep. James Burchett, Mayor Michael-Angelo James, Ware County Commissioner Leonard Burse and Waycross District 3 Commissioner Katrena Felder followed Howard.
Members of the Waycross Police and Fire Departments gathered for the “Hoagies for Heroes” sandwich-making competition. The officers won the challenge by making sandwiches of meat and cheese with trimmings and dressings faster than the firefighters.
General Manager Angela Pipitone then wielded a giant pair of scissors for the ribbon cutting to conclude the festivities.
The local stores are among the company’s entry in the Georgia market in the past six months . The first store opened November 14, 2024 in Bainbridge with other outlets also open in Jesup, Hinesville, Brunswick, and Pooler.
