A popular grocery chain on the East Coast is introducing a fresh store design to attract more customers.
Wawa is enhancing its shopping experience by adding drive-thru services to its stores.
Wawa Unveils Innovative Drive-Thru Store in Trexlertown in Four Days
On February 8, Wawa will open its first-ever drive-thru store built using modern modular construction techniques.
Partnering with the modular construction firm Modlogiq, Wawa's new buildings are largely pre-built in a factory setting and then assembled on-site. This information comes from a Modlogiq spokesperson, as reported by Restaurant Dive.
This pioneering store is set to open in Trexlertown, located about 60 miles north of Wawa's main office in Wawa, Pennsylvania.
This initiative is part of Wawa's ambitious plan to almost double its store numbers by 2030, expanding into seven additional states.
In response to the changing shopping habits due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wawa Inc. has revealed plans to construct a 1,850-square-foot drive-thru-only convenience store in Falls Township, Pennsylvania.
This new store model will concentrate exclusively on drive-thru and curbside pickup services. Customers can easily use advanced technology to order Wawa's top-selling food and drinks. This includes value, combo meals, coffee, and other specialty beverages.
Wawa is considering spreading its drive-thru service to more locations, depending on the success of its current venture.
Terri Micklin, Wawa's Director of Construction, stated that the company aims to gain insights from the design, workflow, and customer traffic at this new location. These learnings will help Wawa develop long-term strategies for its stores in the post-COVID-19 era.
Wawa is experimenting with a new drive-thru store model, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite Wawa items without leaving their cars, according to Micklin.
He emphasized the importance of offering new methods for customers to access Wawa's services, aiming to increase convenience and provide more options for how people can shop.
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Wawa Expands Drive-Thru Services to New Jersey Store
Wawa is adding a drive-thru option to a store under construction in Westhampton, New Jersey, and opening a standalone drive-thru.
The convenience store chain, with locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and Washington D.C., celebrated the opening of its 900th store in Wawa, Pennsylvania, this past June.
Drive-thrus have gained popularity among fast-food chains during the pandemic. Major brands like McDonald's and Raising Cane's have reported strong sales through their drive-thru windows, while others like Chipotle and Shake Shack have started developing their versions.
Wawa's new drive-thru feature is set to increase the competition with fast-food outlets as both vie for the convenience-seeking customer.
Following the trend of companies like Quiznos and Starbucks, Wawa is now utilizing prefabricated construction for its drive-thru locations.
Constructing a modular Wawa store in an off-site warehouse takes around 40 days. These pre-built sections are then quickly assembled on location, typically ready for occupancy within 20 working days.
This building approach allows for a faster construction process and reduces the risk of weather-related delays or material damages, ensuring more efficient site access for the company.
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