Wawa Turns 50, Gives Away Free Coffee

Wawa convenience stores give away coffee to mark 50th anniversary

A Philadelphia-area favorite is marking a big milestone today by giving its customers something for free.

Wawa convenience stores are celebrating the company's 50th anniversary, but customers will be getting the gifts.

The chain is offering free cups of coffee on Wednesday to mark a half-century since the first shop opened in suburban Philadelphia.

“On the occasion of our 50th, we wanted to raise our cups to our customers and say ‘thanks a million,’ by giving away more than a million cups of their everyday-starter,” said Wawa’s President and CEO Chris Gheysens. “At Wawa our coffee is one of most beloved and popular products, and this giveaway is one small way we can recognize our customers for all they have done to help us reach this incredible milestone.”

Grahame Wood established the original outlet in Folsom on April 16, 1964. The company now has more than 640 stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Florida.

Early Wednesday morning, company executives will re-enact the first transaction at the Folsom store. Employees will wear vintage uniforms and historical signs and photos will be displayed.

A similar event is planned afterward at a store in downtown Philadelphia.

Wawa is a native American name for the Canada goose. The bird's image appears in the company logo.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us