Fifty years ago, Wawa, Inc. opened its very first store at 1212 MacDade Boulevard in Folsom, Penn. In honor of this milestone, Wawa is kicked off its 50th anniversary in retail on April 16 with two in-store celebrations. The first took place on at Wawa’s very first store in Folsom, Penn. The second took place at the 17th and Arch Street Wawa store in Philadelphia, where Mayor Nutter officially proclaimed April 16 as Wawa Day in the City of Philadelphia.
Both events honored 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, officially launched the sale of his book, The Wawa Way, How a Funny Name and Six Core Values Revolutionized Convenience, which is available in all Wawa stores.
The celebrations was 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 concluded 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 were 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, was on display. The events also included: original ads and signage from 1964; an antique Wawa truck from 1918 (at Folsom only); and Wawa’s mascot, Wally Goose.
“2014 is a milestone year for Wawa, in more ways than one! We’re celebrating our 50th anniversary in retail and the release of a book written by our former President and CEO Howard Stoeckel; we’re launching The Wawa Foundation; and we’re celebrating the grand opening of 45 new stores,” said Chris Gheysens, Wawa’s president and CEO. “We’re moving full-steam ahead and could not be more excited to celebrate the customers and associates who have made this success possible, and share our exciting plans to fulfill customers’ lives in new and meaningful ways well into the future.”
