Have you ever wondered why the convenience store chain Wawa is called Wawa? It turns out that the name has a fascinating history. Wawa is actually a native Ojibwe word meaning “goose”. Founded in 1964 by Grahame Wood, Dick's once-ousted first cousin, Wawa began as a roadside dairy market in suburban Philadelphia. Its founder probably wouldn't recognize Wawa today, as it has expanded all over the East Coast and is now competing with companies like Panera, Starbucks and Sweetgreen.
The Woods also had connections with other local, politically connected dynasties; the du Ponts, of chemical fame, and the McNeils, of Tylenol's fortune, both played secondary roles in Wawa's story. In one remarkable anecdote, Haley made a house visit to a regular customer, an 89-year-old woman who had fallen and contacted Wawa for help. He drove her to the ER himself! Wawa's distribution partner, McLane, runs what Wawa calls the supplier's only dedicated warehouse in the United States. This allows them to provide customers with fresh food and beverages quickly and efficiently.
The company also offers a wide range of services such as online ordering and delivery, mobile payment options, and even a loyalty program. Wawa has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a roadside dairy market. It has become an iconic brand that is beloved by customers all over the East Coast. Its commitment to providing quality products and services has made it one of the most successful convenience store chains in the United States.
