Wawa prepares to open first Bowling Green store Thursday, announces additional Kentucky expansion
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – Wawa opened its doors in south-central Kentucky Wednesday, welcoming community leaders, media and longtime fans inside its first Bowling Green store ahead of Thursday’s grand opening.
The Pennsylvania-based convenience store chain hosted a “Taste of Wawa” preview at its new location on Gunnison Trail Way right off I-165, where guests toured the store, sampled its signature menu items and watched the ceremonial making of Bowling Green’s first Wawa hoagie.
For some attendees, the opening was years in the making.
“I saw the sign. I called my husband and said, ‘Oh my God, it’s here. I don’t believe it,’” said Stephen Cerrone, who described himself as Wawa’s “biggest fan.” “Every day we’d drive by watching the progression, and now it’s here. I can’t wait for the breakfast sandwiches. For me, it’s just a good environment. It’s my store. To me, this is Christmas morning.”
General Manager Leland Hoffman said the excitement surrounding the opening has been matched by enthusiasm from the company’s employees and customers.
“We’re excited. You’re excited. The whole company is excited,” Hoffman said. “We’re thrilled to give you a taste of Wawa and share more about our commitment to the community.”
The Bowling Green location becomes Wawa’s ninth store in Kentucky and employs 52 people, including 45 new associates and seven leadership positions.
Carolina Kruis, Wawa’s area manager, said the company views Bowling Green as part of a long-term investment in the Commonwealth.
“We’re making a long-term investment in the area, and we’re excited about our continued plans for growth and the ability to fulfill more lives with this new store,” Kruis said.
She also announced that a second Bowling Green location, currently under construction at 645 Hennessy Way near the Corvette Museum, is expected to open before the end of the year. Wawa plans to open four to eight stores annually in Kentucky over the next five to eight years, with more than 40 locations planned statewide.
Before opening its doors to customers, Wawa also announced several community initiatives, including its “Lending a Helping Hoagie” campaign. During the store’s first week, a portion of hoagie sales will benefit Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland, up to $5,000.
“Fighting hunger is core to who we are,” Kruis said. “Everyone is invited to join us in our ‘Lending a Helping Hoagie’ campaign, where a portion of this store’s first week’s hoagie sales will be donated to Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland.”
Stephanie Hester, director of development for Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland, said the partnership will directly support families across the region.
“Our programs provide relief from the worry of not having enough food for yourself or maybe worse, for your kids,” Hester said. “Together we take the worry off their plate so they can focus on what matters most.”
State leaders praised Wawa’s investment in Bowling Green and Warren County.
“What an honor it is for me to officially welcome Wawa to Bowling Green, Kentucky,” said State Rep. Kevin Jackson. “This is the type of company that we love to bring to Bowling Green and Warren County.”
State Rep. Robert Duvall said he has been eager to see Wawa arrive after first visiting one of its stores in Florida.
“I asked a simple question: Why don’t we have one in Bowling Green?” Duvall said. “I’m so excited that you guys are here.”
Wawa officially opens to the public Thursday with grand opening festivities starting at 8 am, including its annual “Hoagies for Heroes” competition featuring members of the Bowling Green Police and Fire Departments.
