Following recent guidelines from city officials, Philadelphia Wawa stores suspended all made-to-order food in order to limit crowds and enhance social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.
"This change in our Philadelphia city stores will enable us to move people through the store faster and keeping their interactions brief, while further encouraging the practice of social distancing," Wawa spokesperson Lori Bruce said.
The change went into effect at all 42 Philadelphia Wawa stores Friday morning.
You can still pick up a Wawa hoagie or sandwich, but it will be pre-made and available in the grab-and-go section.
"To help offset this temporary change, we are expanding our express offer of both hot and cold foods to include more options," Bruce said. "We are working around the clock in partnership with local officials to determine how to best navigate the current landscape in every community we serve."
Bruce also said built-to-order items will still be available at Philadelphia Wawa stores through Door Dash, GrubHub and UberEats.
"Full-serve delivery orders and mobile orders placed through The Wawa App will be filled through four designated Wawa stores that will be temporarily converted to delivery and mobile order fulfillment sites," Bruce wrote.
Philadelphia Wawa stores will soon begin installing face shields at checkout counters as a safety measure.
The decision comes a day after an employee at the Wawa store on 2535 Aramingo Avenue tested positive for COVID-19. That store was closed for cleaning and disinfecting.
Wawa had already changed service at its coffee stations at all of its stores.
Wawa is also giving back to people serving during the coronavirus pandemic. Starting Thursday, all Wawa locations are giving a free cup of coffee to health care workers and first responders.
