Philadelphia chain Wawa crowned the best convenience store in America – beating Gen Z favorite Buc-ee’s
A Philadelphia supermarket popular for its specialty sandwiches and coffee has been named the best in America, narrowly beating QuikTrip and Buc-ee’s.
The American Customer Satisfaction Index named Wawa the superior outlet in its first-ever supermarket study which was released earlier today.
The research was based on 5,710 surveys conducted by random customers who answered questions about their shopping experiences over a seven-month period, including convenience of hours and locations, freshness of coffee and food quality.
Each chain was ranked between zero and 100, with the Philadelphia store scoring the highest at 82.
The U.S. Customer Satisfaction Index named Wawa superior in its first-ever supermarket survey 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 foodservice industry.
‘The top performing supermarket brands are now on par with fast food chains in food quality and variety, offering customers a wide range of fresh, gourmet options.
“By focusing on the in-store dining experience while maintaining the fast service customers have become accustomed to, convenience stores may have found the perfect recipe for success.”
Wawa first opened in 1902 as a dairy store selling fresh milk products from certified Guernsey cows in Delaware County.
Soon, the first Wawa Food Market opened on April 16, 1964, and stores in New Jersey and Delaware followed in 1969.
By 2024, Wawa’s expanded menu will include hoagies, made-to-order wraps, pizza and quesadillas
But what really sets it apart from other stores is the availability of an extensive breakfast menu, as well as smoothies, shakes, pastries and fresh fruit for customers
Wawa first opened in 1902 as a dairy store selling fresh milk products from certified Guernsey cows in Delaware County
In 2024, Wawa’s expanded menu will include hoagies, made-to-order wraps, pizza and quesadillas.
But what really sets it apart from other stores is the availability of an extensive breakfast menu, as well as smoothies, shakes, pastries and fresh fruit for customers.
The supermarket also launched Delivery & Curbside Pickup services in 2021.
In second place is QuikTrip, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma with a score of 81.
The store operates in the Midwest, South and West states and is known for its QT Kitchens offering fresh food to order, premium specialty drinks and frozen desserts.
Buc-ee’s, the favorite of Gen Z drivers, solidified its spot in third place with a score of 80.
The gas station with character, Buc-ee’s is best known for its plentiful gas pumps and unique beaver nugget treats.
Buc-ee’s, the favorite of Gen Z drivers, solidified its place in third place with a score of 80
But with clever marketing tactics that appeal to the TikTok generation, the chain has become popular among young people.
Buc-ee’s posters on highways in states like Texas and Tennessee feature slogans such as; ‘In the era of my Buc-ee’, ‘Beaver fit check’ and ‘Slay: 82 miles’ against the backdrop of the chain’s striking red and yellow.
The phrases tap into popular TikTok and other social media language, which in turn has earned the brand fans on those platforms themselves.
Other signs – accompanied by the iconic beaver mascot – read: ‘catch Kolaches no feelings’, ‘Glow up, next exit’, ‘Beef with us’, ‘Jerky? Boys’ Dinner’, ‘Beaver Nuggets? Girls’ Dinner’ and ‘Main Character Energy’.