The much-anticipated opening of the first Wawa in Eastern Hillsborough County went off without a hitch Sept. 5, where a steady crowd of customers kept workers busy all day long.
A group of five men stated their reasons for taking a break from daytime duties to visit the newly opened gas station and convenience store on Bloomingdale Avenue, just east of U.S. Highway 301:
- "Food, number one," said Austin Simmons.
- "Low gas prices, $3.29 for regular," said Dave Davis.
- "Good coffee," said Henry Hillsman.
- "I'm going for low gas prices, too," said Brad Douglas.
- Added Jonathan Lee: "I'm a huge fan of the clip on the gas pump."
Overall, it was a sound opening for Wawa, with a steady stream of customers availing themselves of both gas and everything else the store has to offer (see list below).
The grand opening was especially satisfying for members of USO Tampa Bay and the 332nd Transportation Battalion, who participated in the festivities.
- See photos, at Wawa Opens In Eastern Hillsborough County
"We received $2,000 in checks, in support of the 332nd Transportation Battalion's Family Day, August 17," said Carrie Harper, with USO Tampa Bay. The event's mission, she added, "is to lift the spirits of American troops and their families."
"It was a very entertaining day," said battalion reservist Jeffrey Strotman, who, with his peers, participated in a hoagie-building competition against USO Tampa Bay competitors.
Mike Rovinelli, of USO Tampa Bay, said his team outpaced the battalion competitors 24-20. "But how many did we [build] correctly?" he added. "That would be zero."
As for reservist Ayama Miller, she said her trip from Orlando to the Bloomingdale Avenue Wawa was well worth the mileage. "I've never been to a Wawa," she said. "I think it's pretty awesome."
Wawa Offerings
- Built-to-order hoagies come in four sizes: Junior, Shorti, Classic and Two-Footer.
- Touted as well, freshly-brewed coffee, more than 195 million cups sold each year.
- Also noted: the Sizzli hot breakfast sandwich, quality dairy products, Wawa brand juices and teas and ready-to-go salads and fresh fruits.
- "Wawa" is a Native American word for the Canada Goose that was found in the Delaware Valley, that's why we use the goose on Wawa's corporate logo.
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