Hope Mills, North Carolina — Wawa announced the opening of its first travel center on August 28, bringing the chain’s convenience model to a 8,000‑square‑foot stop tailored for truckers and long‑haul drivers.
Wawa’s move into the travel‑center arena follows the company’s presence in 12 states and Washington, D.C., where it operates more than 1,100 convenience stores. The new location at 630 Chicken Foot Road sits just south of Fayetteville and positions Wawa to serve the needs of professional drivers who spend long hours on the road.
The Hope Mills stop offers six high‑speed diesel fueling lanes that accept OTR payments, a CAT scale, free truck parking, clean restrooms, and a pet relief area. Wawa Chief Real Estate Officer John Poplawski explained the vision: “We are thrilled to pilot this new format in Hope Mills and believe this new travel center model is a great way to bring Wawa to customers while serving the needs of the travelers,” he said. “Not only will our Wawa Travel Center meet the fueling needs of professional drivers, while also remaining a community hub for local friends and neighbors to enjoy.”
What This Means for Drivers
CDL‑A holders and owner‑operators will find a reliable refueling point that accepts OTR payments, reducing the time spent searching for compatible stations. The free parking and restrooms provide essential rest opportunities during long hauls, while the pet relief area addresses a common concern for drivers with animals aboard. Trucking companies hiring can now recommend this stop as a convenient, safe rest location for their fleets.
Industry Reaction
While the source does not quote specific carriers, the industry has long awaited a chain that blends convenience with trucking logistics. The addition of a CAT scale and OTR‑friendly fueling lanes aligns with FMCSA regulations on commercial vehicle operations, offering a streamlined stop that meets both safety and efficiency demands.
Key Points
- First Wawa travel center opens in Hope Mills on August 28.
- Facility spans over 8,000 square feet with six diesel fueling lanes.
- Includes CAT scale, free parking, restrooms, and pet relief area.
- Wawa plans to open 6‑8 new stores annually in North Carolina, aiming for 90 locations over the next decade.
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