Fifty years ago, Wawa, Inc. opened its very first store at 1212 MacDade Boulevard in Folsom, PA. In honor of this tremendous milestone, Wawa is kicking-off its 50th anniversary in retail with two in-store celebrations. The first takes place at Wawa’s very first store in Folsom, PA. The second will take place at the 17th and Arch Street Wawa store in Philadelphia, where Mayor Nutter will officially proclaim April 16 as Wawa Day in the City of Philadelphia.
Both events will honor this milestone, recognizing the customers, associates and stories of the past five decades that make Wawa a living, breathing brand. As a highlight of each event, Wawa’s former President and CEO and Current Vice Chairman, Howard Stoeckel, will officially launch the sale of his book, The Wawa Way, How a Funny Name and Six Core Values Revolutionized Convenience, which will go on sale to the public that day, and become available in all Wawa stores.
The celebrations will be led by Wawa Chairman Richard D. Wood, Jr., Wawa President and CEO Chris Gheysens, and former Wawa President and CEO and current Vice Chairman, Howard Stoeckel. Wawa Day will conclude with a special evening ceremony for Wawa Associates, business partners and invited community members at the National Constitution Center.
“I offer my sincere congratulations to Richard Wood, Chris Gheysens, Howard Stoeckel, and everyone at Wawa, Inc. on the occasion of the company’s 50th anniversary and the launch of The Wawa Foundation,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “Wawa is a fixture in the Philadelphia region and an extraordinary corporate citizen – most notably lending its name and support to the City of Philadelphia’s Wawa Welcome America Festival during the 4th of July celebrations. I’m honored to celebrate Wawa’s 50th anniversary in business, and I look forward to the continued success of our partnership and enjoying many more Wawa hoagies for years to come.”
Both store ceremonies will be filled with the sights and sounds of Wawa from 1964 through to present day. At both in-store events, a photo exhibit of hoagie history, chronicling the development of Wawa’s signature sandwich from its inception until now, will be on display. The events will also include: original ads and signage from 1964; an antique Wawa truck from 1918 (at Folsom only); and of course, Wawa’s mascot, Wally Goose, who will be on-hand all day to help celebrate Wawa’s milestone birthday.
Can’t make it to the official celebrations? Visit any Wawa store on April 16 and get a free any size coffee. Wawa announced on their official Facebook page, “Our customers have treated us to countless smiles over the past 50 years. Now we’d like to treat you to a cup of coffee and lots of fun! Visit any store for your FREE Any Size Coffee on April 16!”
- Photos: Wawa
