A Philadelphia convenience store popular for its specialty sandwiches and coffee has been named as America’s best – narrowly beating QuikTrip and Buc-ee’s.
The American Customer Satisfaction Index has declared Wawa as the superior outlet in its first ever convenience store study which was released earlier today.
The study was based on 5,710 surveys done by random customers who answered questions on their store experiences including convenience of hours and locations, coffee freshness and food quality over a seven month period.
Each chain was ranked between zero to 100 – with the Philadelphia store scoring the highest at 82.
The American Customer Satisfaction Index has declared Wawa as the superior in its first ever convenience store study which was released earlier today
Forrest Morgeson, Director of Research Emeritus at the ACS said in a statement: ‘Convenience stores are no longer just a quick stop for gas and snacks — they are becoming serious competitors in the food service industry.
‘The top-performing convenience store brands are now on par with fast food chains in terms of food quality and variety, offering customers a wide range of fresh, gourmet options.
‘By focusing on the in-store dining experience, while maintaining the speedy service that customers have grown accustomed to, convenience stores may have found the perfect recipe for success.’
Wawa first opened doors as a dairy store selling fresh milk products from certified Guernsey cows in 1902 in Delaware County.
Soon enough, the first Wawa Food Market opened on April 16, 1964 and stores followed in in New Jersey and Delaware by 1969.
In 2024, Wawa’s expansive menu features hoagies, built-to-order wraps, pizza and quesadillas
But what really sets it apart from other stores is the availability of a full breakfast menu as well as smoothies, shakes, baked goods and fresh fruit for customers
Wawa first opened doors as a dairy store selling fresh milk products from certified Guernsey cows in 1902 in Delaware County
In 2024, Wawa’s expansive menu features hoagies, built-to-order wraps, pizza and quesadillas.
But what really sets it apart from other stores is the availability of a full breakfast menu as well as smoothies, shakes, baked goods and fresh fruit for customers.
The convenience store also launched Delivery & Curbside Pickup services in 2021.
Coming in second is QuikTrip, which is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma with a score of 81.
Operating in the Midwest, South and West states, the store is famous for its QT Kitchens where fresh to order food, premium specialty drinks and frozen desserts are available.
Gen Z drivers’ favourite, Buc-ee’s has cemented its place in third with a score of 80.
Buc-ee’s, the gas station with character, is mostly known for its plentiful gas pumps and unique beaver nuggets treats.
Gen Z drivers’ favourite, Buc-ee’s has cemented its place in third with a score of 80
But with clever marketing tactics that speak to the TikTok generation, the chain has become beloved among youngsters.
Buc-ee’s posters on highways in states such as Texas and Tennessee have slogans such as; ‘In my Buc-ee’s era’, ‘Beaver fit check’ and ‘Slay: 82 miles’ on the backdrop of the chain’s eye-catching red and yellow.
The phrases use popular TikTok and other social media parlance that has in turn given the brand fans on those platforms itself.
Other signage – accompanied by the iconic beaver mascot – reads: ‘catch Kolaches not feelings’, ‘Glow up, next exit’, ‘Beef with us’, ‘Jerky? Boy dinner’, ‘Beaver nuggets? Girl dinner’ and ‘Main character energy’.