Wawa, the popular convenience store chain, has officially begun its expansion into the Middle Tennessee region by breaking ground on its first two locations in Murfreesboro and Clarksville. This marks the start of a long-term growth initiative that aims to establish up to 50 stores in the area over the next decade.
On August 12, 2023, during a Community Partnership event at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, Wawa executives shared insights into their expansion strategy, community engagement plans, and potential job opportunities. The event featured a “Taste of Wawa,” where attendees sampled coffee, pretzels, teas, and other menu offerings.
The first store in Murfreesboro will be located at 5109 Veterans Parkway, while the Clarksville store will be situated at 1290 Parkway Place. Both locations are scheduled to open in the second half of 2026. As part of the initial phase of this expansion, Wawa plans to launch six stores within that year.
“It’s official! Wawa is proud to be expanding to the Middle Tennessee market,” stated Joe Collins, Wawa’s director of store operations. He expressed enthusiasm about commencing construction and highlighted the company’s commitment to serving the community starting in 2026.
The investment for each new Wawa location is estimated at approximately $7.5 million. During the construction phase, each store will employ around 140 contractors. Once operational, these stores are expected to create an average of 35 permanent jobs each, contributing to a total of more than 1,750 long-term positions throughout the Tennessee expansion.
Wawa, a privately held and associate-owned company, prioritizes employee ownership through its stock ownership plan, which provides associates with a 39% stake in the business. As the company establishes its presence in Tennessee, it is actively seeking team members who align with its people-first philosophy and community-oriented values.
With this strategic expansion, Wawa aims to integrate itself into the fabric of Middle Tennessee while providing employment opportunities and contributing to local economies. Residents can anticipate the grand openings of these new stores in the coming years, promising to bring Wawa’s renowned offerings to a new market.