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The C-Store Restaurateur
Wawa has long been a favored destination for made-to-order sandwiches in the markets where it operates, but now the hoagies are traveling to the customers. Under the leadership of Chris Gheysens, president and CEO, the Wawa, Pa.-based chain has launched mobile ordering and delivery. It has also expanded aggressively and entered new markets.
Known for: Gheysens grew up in Wawa country in southern New Jersey and is said to embrace the community-focused corporate culture at the 720-unit, privately owned chain. He is known as Wawa’s “lead goose,” a reference to the goose in the company’s logo.
Power move: Wawa rolled out mobile ordering in May and launched delivery through GrubHub in September, helping solidify the chain’s position as a leading foodservice provider in the minds of consumers.
What’s next: GrubHub delivery will soon be expanded to four more locations. The chain also continues to open in new markets. In December, Wawa opened its first store in the Washington, D.C., area, the chain’s largest location and its first with outdoor seating.
