Burned coffee, questionable bathrooms and bad-for-you foods that never seem to go bad—all typical features of gas stations and convenience stores. But one name stands out from the pack: Wawa.

Since the first Sarasota Wawa opened in 2016 at the intersection of U.S. 301 and Myrtle Street, the store's signature fire engine-red sign has become a common sight around town. For many Florida transplants from the Northeast, where the Wawa craze started, the store represents a slice of home that every summer is served on an inexpensive hoagie during Wawa's annual "Hoagiefest."

Today, another Wawa opened at 7707 24th Court E., near Tallevast Road and U.S. 301. I had never been to one, so I went to find out why the place has earned such a cult-like following. (Before I dig in, it should be noted that while Hoagiefest is officially over, the new location is extending the celebration for the next 10 days, with $4 "shortis"—a 6-inch sandwich—and free coffee.)

I asked Wawaphile and Sarasota native Thomas Davis why he goes to as many grand openings as possible.

“I was a tractor trailer driver and was introduced in Pennsylvania," he says. "Everyone said, ‘Go to Wawa,’ so I went and got my chicken noodle soup, a sandwich and a drink. And by the time I got to Ohio, it was all gone and it was so good. So now that’s my store. Years later, it’s in Florida, and ever since, I've been going to it. Every time one opens, I get my mom and go. I love their hazelnut coffee.”

Praise for Wawa coffee is common. “We’re very well known for our coffee," says director of store operations Nancy Dulaney. "But we’re a one-stop shop and restaurant with beer, wine, smoothies and so much more." According to Dulaney, the store's hoagies are its most popular item, particularly among locals going to and from work and school who can preorder with a handy app.

The new, roughly 3,200-square-foot store joins a thriving subculture. People have gotten married at Wawa, there are songs about it and tattoos of the name, too, including one on Jackass star Johnny Knoxville.

On the more practical side, Wawas are famous for their friendly customer service, spick and span bathrooms, decent gas prices, free air for your tires and no-charge ATMs.

But is it really that impressive? Reddit fanatics say yes.

“You're hungry and got $6? Wawa's got you," one writes. "You're drunk as a skunk and got $6? Wawa's got you covered. I grew up with Wawa. I feel welcomed there. It's like they're a part of my family.” 

“Wawa is a religious culture here in N.J.," writes another user.

In fact, people dine out at Wawa—not just because they're stuck on a road trip and the options are slim, but because they know and love the menu.

This year's Hoagiefest was a star-studded affair, thanks to a partnership with former Philadelphia Eagles player Jason Kelce and his wife Kylie, who appeared in ads, encouraging you to emulate their culinary tastes by ordering their favorite hoagies. His: Italian. Hers: honey-smoked turkey. The hoagies have even inspired a song and a necktie.

Other stars have shown their Wawa love, too. In 2021, Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet embraced Pennsylvania culture for her leading role in Mare of Easttown. When Winslet finally stepped into a Wawa, she said, “It almost felt like a mythical place.”

Harry Styles, meanwhile, posted a photo of himself posing with a Wawa “associate” (that’s what employees are called there) on Instagram to show his love. And comedian Tina Fey regularly referenced the chain on Saturday Night Live. During a 2019 interview, she said, “That’s some harsh Philly realness coming down. ... That’s like picking a fight in the Wawa parking lot."

In addition to the hoagies, there are “Sizzli”—a hot breakfast sandwich on a bagel, croissant or biscuit. You'll also find burritos, burgers and fries, pizza, soups, sides and snacks, and a full line of hot, iced and frozen beverages, plus beer and wine, groceries and candy.

To discover Wawa's secret menu, head to the touchscreen kiosk to see if the wings on the goose icon in the corner are flapping—that’s how you know it's activated. You should then see a new screen, with items available during special times throughout the year, like the rainbow bagel, the birthday cake milkshake and smoothie, colorful lemonades and Halloween items like the "Graveyard Smash" chocolate cookie.

Each grand opening is marked by a competition to see who can make the most hoagies in three minutes. Amid flying lettuce and tomato this morning, the Manatee County Fire Rescue team crushed the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, with 30 sandwiches made versus just 23. The winning team earned a trophy and was able to donate $1,000 to their chosen charity.

What else did I learn on my Wawa quest? The store began in an iron foundry in New Jersey in 1803. The Wood family, who helmed the store, then purchased a Victorian home with a red roof in Wawa, Pennsylvania. There, George Wood got into dairy farming, and the family established a dairy business that promised “safe” milk at a time when it was tough to come by.

Then, in the mid-1900s, as grocery stores rose in popularity, George’s grandson Grahame Wood opened the very first Wawa Food Market in Folsom, Pennsylvania. "Wawa" is an Ojibwe word for the Canada goose—hence the store's goose logo and mascot, Wally.

So now that I've learned so much, am I sold on the Wawa experience? 

They have espresso, so, yes, you’ll find me on the bandwagon of this cultural touchstone. I'll see you soon, Wally.