From the outside, Wawa looks like a nicer than average gas station and convenience store. On the inside it's a deli and coffee bar. The northeastern chain opens on Gandy Blvd. in Pinellas Park Friday. But what is a Wawa, anyway?
"The Indians a long time ago named the geese in Canada Wawa," Todd Souders, Wawa's Florida operations Director, said. "Also we are from Wawa, PA. So not only are we Wawa like the bird but it's also where we come from."
Once you get over the name and through the door, you'll find a sandwich bar. You order everything from a touch screen and can specialize the order.
"We do sell fuel but when you walk through the door you walk into our kitchen," Souders said. "You'll see all our folks working in our kitchen making our hoagies from rolls that are baked fresh in the store every four hours. At least every four hours."
Another fan favorite (and Wawa has a lot of fans, more than 1 million on Facebook) is the coffee bar. You can self-serve or get special Espresso, Mocha, and Latte drinks made for you.
The store is just one of five opening in the Bay Area in the next five weeks. Souders says he hopes to eventually open 100 stores in Central Florida.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:02 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:02:12 GMT
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are launching a new "simplified" loan modification program. This is good news for some troubled homeowners who have long complained that mortgage companies reject their applications
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are launching a new "simplified" loan modification program. This is good news for some troubled homeowners who have long complained that mortgage companies reject their applications
Wednesday, May 22 2013 4:53 PM EDT2013-05-22 20:53:43 GMT
A wealthy Sarasota retiree was tired of air travel options in Sarasota, so he decided to fix the problem the only way he knew how- he's starting 'Sunrise Airlines.'
A wealthy Sarasota retiree was tired of air travel options in Sarasota, so he decided to fix the problem the only way he knew how- he's starting 'Sunrise Airlines.'
Wednesday, May 22 2013 4:45 PM EDT2013-05-22 20:45:43 GMT
Did 78 year old Audrey Mulligan die as a result of her injuries from a sexual assault, or did she die of other health issues? That's at the crux of the murder trial underway in Pinellas County this week.
Did 78 year old Audrey Mulligan die as a result of her injuries from a sexual assault, or did she die of other health issues? That's at the crux of the murder trial underway in Pinellas County this week.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 4:28 PM EDT2013-05-22 20:28:45 GMT
Two Seffner homes next to a deadly sinkhole are slated for demolition. Work crews and heavy equipment arrived on Faithway Drive early Wednesday morning.
Two Seffner homes next to a deadly sinkhole are slated for demolition. Work crews and heavy equipment arrived on Faithway Drive early Wednesday morning.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 3:46 PM EDT2013-05-22 19:46:56 GMT
Allyssa Marie Atkinson
Winter Haven Police are asking for the public's help in locating 16-year-old Allyssa Marie Atkinson after she went missing on Monday. Police officials say on Monday at approximately 11:44 a.m., Allyssa
Winter Haven Police are asking for the public's help in locating 16-year-old Allyssa Marie Atkinson after she went missing on Monday. Police officials say on Monday at approximately 11:44 a.m., Allyssa
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:53 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:53:22 GMT
The state admits it dropped the ball, but 51 year old Wes Diebold lost his license over a 2 dollar mistake.
Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:30 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:30:01 GMT
The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance. But under new legislation awaiting the signature of Governor Rick Scott it could
The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:56 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:56:22 GMT
The weather is getting warm in the bay area and pest control experts say it's bringing out dry wood termites. "The phones are ringing off the hook now because the termites are swarming," said exterminator
The weather is getting warm in the bay area and pest control experts say it's bringing out dry wood termites. "The phones are ringing off the hook now because the termites are swarming," said exterminator
Friday, May 17 2013 7:36 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:36:31 GMT
As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:00 AM EDT2013-05-17 09:00:46 GMT
Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
Friday, May 17 2013 4:58 PM EDT2013-05-17 20:58:08 GMT
The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:08 AM EDT2013-05-22 13:08:53 GMT
The Chicago Health Department's new teen pregnancy prevention campaign is sparking conversation. The new campaign features teenage boys shirtless and pregnant. "The ads are currently displayed on public
The Chicago Health Department's new teen pregnancy prevention campaign is sparking conversation. The new campaign features teenage boys shirtless and pregnant. "The ads are currently displayed on public
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:41 AM EDT2013-05-22 13:41:12 GMT
A fire that broke early Wednesday morning at Manhattan Palms condominium in North Tampa left eight families on the street and closed North Manhattan Avenue between Sligh and Waters Avenue.
A fire that broke early Wednesday morning at Manhattan Palms condominium in North Tampa left eight families on the street and closed North Manhattan Avenue between Sligh and Waters Avenue.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:30 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:30:57 GMT
A man being questioned by authorities in the Boston bombing probe was fatally shot when he initiated a violent confrontation, FBI officials said Wednesday.
A man being questioned by authorities in the Boston bombing probe was fatally shot when he initiated a violent confrontation, FBI officials said Wednesday.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:53 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:53:22 GMT
The state admits it dropped the ball, but 51 year old Wes Diebold lost his license over a 2 dollar mistake.
Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:17 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:17:06 GMT
Sleep experts estimate one in three people will suffer from insomnia at some point in their life. For those suffering from insomnia, it turns out, there's an app for that.
Sleep experts estimate one in three people will suffer from insomnia at some point in their life. For those suffering from insomnia, it turns out, there's an app for that.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:40 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:40:44 GMT
Tuesday around 10:00 a.m. a Mack dump truck traveling southbound on I-75 just south of State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel traveled into the direct path of a 2012 Hyundai.
Tuesday around 10:00 a.m. a Mack dump truck traveling southbound on I-75 just south of State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel traveled into the direct path of a 2012 Hyundai.
