Wawa Groundbreaking in Tappahannock

Convenience Store Slated to Open Spring ‘23


During a September 21 groundbreaking ceremony for its Tappahannock store, Wawa Inc. presented a $1,000 donation to Feed More Food Bank. From left, Wawa Mascot Wally Goose, Aaron McClung (Feed More Food Bank Chief Development Officer), and Tappahannock Wawa General Manager Michelle Reynolds.

During a September 21 groundbreaking ceremony for its Tappahannock store, Wawa Inc. presented a $1,000 donation to Feed More Food Bank. From left, Wawa Mascot Wally Goose, Aaron McClung (Feed More Food Bank Chief Development Officer), and Tappahannock Wawa General Manager Michelle Reynolds.

The Tappahannock business community received a boost last week as Wawa Inc. held a groundbreaking ceremony for its latest store.

The facility, located along the southbound lanes of Tappahannock Boulevard at its intersection with White Oak Drive is projected to open in Spring 2023. It will employ approximately 40 associates.

Kim Dowgielewicz, director of store operations for Wawa, told a gathering of officials from the Town of Tappahannock and Essex County that Wawa has just over 100 stores in Virginia.

“It’s going to be a great opportunity for us to serve our friends and neighbors in Tappahannock,” she said.

Noting Wawa’s history, which dates back to 1803, Dowgielewicz stated, “Our purpose is fulfilling lives. We don’t grow for growth’s sake. We grow to fulfill more lives.”

She noted that store associates are also part of ownership.

“Our associates will have the opportunity to be a part of our employee stock ownership plan as well as competitive pay and benefits,” she remarked. The store’s exterior will feature an upscale look with attention to building design, lighting, and landscaping, she said. “We look forward to bringing Essex County the very newest and best design,” Dowgielewicz said. “We also look for ward to opening more stores across the state of Virginia. Today, we not only celebrate the official start of construction here in Essex County, but also to our desire to create new jobs, being a good neighbor, and investing in the whole state.” Jeff Ball, of Wawa’s real estate team, told the gathering that Wawa’s 100th Virginia store opened in Fairfax, while its 101st opened in Franklin on Sept. 22. In addition to the Tappahannock store, Ball said Wawa plans to open 10 more stores in Virginia in 2023. “Our long term capital investment in Virginia is significant,” he said. “We invest more than $6 mil lion in every new store developed. Local suppliers, builders, contractors and vendors make the stores a reality.” Ball said Wawa, which has over 950 convenience stores in a six state area, is excited about its plans for Virginia. “We look forward to be coming strong community partners,” he stated. Tappahannock Mayor Roy M. Gladding also offered welcoming remarks. “You picked the right spot that’s going to have a big impact on your success,” he told Dowgielewicz. “Thank you for your commitment and investment in our community.” Rob Akers, the chairman of the Essex County Board of Supervisors, also welcomed Wawa officials. “We’re excited about this project getting under way,” he remarked. “It’s been a long time coming, so it’s going to be exciting when it opens.” Michelle Reynolds, the Tappahannock store’s general manager, also offered remarks. “I look forward to leading a team to serve this community,” Reynolds said. Noting Wawa’s community support, Reynolds and Wawa Mascot Wally Goose presented a $1,000 check to Feed More Food Bank Community Development Officer Aaron McClung. Wawa and the Wawa Foundation have contributed more than $100 million to nonprofits throughout its footprint since 2014. McClung noted that Feed More, partners with the Healthy Harvest in War saw and its local distributor is the Tappahannock Seventh day Adventist Church. “This will provide over 3,000 meals for those who are hungry in our community,” McClung said about Wawa’s donation.

The event concluded with a ceremonial ground breaking and unveiling of the store’s “Coming Soon” sign.

The company was found ed in 1803 in New Jersey and incorporated in 1865 as the Millville Manufacturing Company.

In 1902, owner George Wood created a dairy processing plan in Wawa, Pennsylvania. The first Wawa Food Market opened in 1964.

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