A new Wawa convenience store and gas station might soon open in Dauphin County.
This store is planned for the 9000 block of Bridge Road in Hummelstown, where a Hoss's Steak & Sea House used to be.
Wawa Store Expansion Proposed in Swatara
On February 19, 2024, ABC27 News reported the closure of Hoss's Steak and Sea House on 9009 Bridge Street in Swatara Township. This restaurant, a local favorite since 1992, had weathered a major flood in 2011.
Billie Jo Walls, President of Hoss's Steak and Sea House, expressed gratitude to the community and staff. 'We would like to thank the wonderful community for supporting us for so long, it was truly our pleasure to serve you. We also thank our many Hossome employees who graciously provided our guests with HOSS'pitality and quality meals,' she said.
After the closure was announced, it came to light that the restaurant property was listed for sale through Coldwell Banker Realty and is now under contract to be sold.
As stated in a company press release, the building at 9009 Bridge Road is set to be sold. The property, priced at $1.15 million, is currently awaiting sale completion.
Swatara Township officials have shared the land development plan submitted by Wawa. The plan details a new store measuring 5,585 square feet, including 56 parking spots. The design also features 16 fuel pumps and stations for charging electric vehicles.
This new store is a key part of Wawa's expansion strategy in central Pennsylvania. In June 2022, Wawa announced plans to double its stores in the next three to five years. This expansion could bring up to 40 more stores to the region.
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Wawa's Ambitious Expansion in Pennsylvania
Two years ago, Wawa revealed plans to expand into Pennsylvania's heart, a highly competitive area for convenience stores. They are looking to open around 40 new stores, marking a significant step into the territory dominated by their competitor, Sheetz. Wawa aims to start opening these stores soon, but specific dates for the first openings and construction schedules are still under wraps.
Lori Bruce, a spokesperson for Wawa, mentioned, "We have not yet announced our first store openings or construction timelines for central PA." However, she indicated that the company would share updates on its expansion plans, including locations and timelines, shortly through briefings and events.
Although official announcements are pending, plans submitted to various municipalities in central Pennsylvania suggest that more than six Wawa stores are in the works. The company is developing locations in Swatara, Lower Swatara, East Pennsboro townships, Chambersburg, State College, and Hanover and is also considering a site in Derry Township.
In Swatara Township, Wawa plans to construct a 5,585-square-foot store with fuel pumps at the former site of Hoss's Steak & Sea House at Route 322 and Bridge Road. This property, valued at $1.2 million, is currently pending sale.
Construction has already started on a Wawa near a Sheetz in Lower Swatara Township, located at Linden Centre. Another store is planned at The Reserve at River's Edge, at Routes 11/15, and Valley Road in East Pennsboro Township. This was the first location announced as part of Wawa's expansion.
Additionally, Wawa wants to open a store at the former Sakura Japanese restaurant site at 1071 Wayne Ave. in Chambersburg.
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