Wawa Debuts New Drive-In Store Prototype
YORKTOWN, Va. -- Labeled a prototype, Wawa Inc. has transformed its station here into more of a drive-in restaurant than a c-store, an initiative aimed at increasing food sales.
Wawa company spokeswoman Lori Bruce told CSNews Online the unveiled prototype is one of two locations that will feature updated services. "Right now, this is research and development," said Bruce.
The newly revamped location features 20 reserved parking spots for customers to pull in, view a menu, and place food and beverage orders through a speaker system. Harkening back to the 1950s, Wawa employees deliver ordered items to customers waiting in their cars. The grand opening festivities include a hoagie-building contest and an appearance from Howard Stoeckel, the company's president and chief executive officer.
"It's been ten years since we opened our first store in Virginia, and this new store brings convenience to new levels, truly representing our commitment simplifying the lives of our customers," Stoeckel said in a released statement. "It's multitasking at its best. Customers can order food and beverages, eat, work, text and talk on the phone, without ever leaving the comfort of their cars."
Open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., the drive-in menu includes all of Wawa's popular built-to-order, hot beverage and cold items such as Sizzli's, Breakfast Ciabattas, hot and cold Hoagies, built-to-order salads, soups, sides, chicken strips and fruit cups.
"Unlike other drive-ins, one of the features that make ours truly unique is the breadth of our menu and its wide appeal to everyone," Stoeckel said in a released statement. "Perhaps even more importantly, our menu features a variety of healthy and diet-sensible items, giving diners' on-the-go a great and satisfying option to typical fast food, for any meal of the day."
The second drive-in is scheduled to open in Virginia Beach in June and will include a patio area and picnic tables. When asked if more conversions are on tap, Bruce told CSNews Online, it is "too soon to tell what the future will hold."
Wawa company spokeswoman Lori Bruce told CSNews Online the unveiled prototype is one of two locations that will feature updated services. "Right now, this is research and development," said Bruce.
The newly revamped location features 20 reserved parking spots for customers to pull in, view a menu, and place food and beverage orders through a speaker system. Harkening back to the 1950s, Wawa employees deliver ordered items to customers waiting in their cars. The grand opening festivities include a hoagie-building contest and an appearance from Howard Stoeckel, the company's president and chief executive officer.
"It's been ten years since we opened our first store in Virginia, and this new store brings convenience to new levels, truly representing our commitment simplifying the lives of our customers," Stoeckel said in a released statement. "It's multitasking at its best. Customers can order food and beverages, eat, work, text and talk on the phone, without ever leaving the comfort of their cars."
Open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., the drive-in menu includes all of Wawa's popular built-to-order, hot beverage and cold items such as Sizzli's, Breakfast Ciabattas, hot and cold Hoagies, built-to-order salads, soups, sides, chicken strips and fruit cups.
"Unlike other drive-ins, one of the features that make ours truly unique is the breadth of our menu and its wide appeal to everyone," Stoeckel said in a released statement. "Perhaps even more importantly, our menu features a variety of healthy and diet-sensible items, giving diners' on-the-go a great and satisfying option to typical fast food, for any meal of the day."
The second drive-in is scheduled to open in Virginia Beach in June and will include a patio area and picnic tables. When asked if more conversions are on tap, Bruce told CSNews Online, it is "too soon to tell what the future will hold."