When Wawa Arrives in Kentucky, It’s Bringing Along 1,400 Jobs

As the Wawa brand expands into other states, like at this proposed store in Kentucky, it will have to compete with already established convenience store chains.

Wawa’s expansion beyond Delaware County is not only bringing its localized brand to other parts of the country, it’s creating jobs along the way.

The convenience store chain plans to open about 40 stores in Kentucky in the next 8 to 10 years.

That’s equal to about 1,400 new jobs for the state, writes Chip Hutcheson for Kentucky Today.

Ground has already been broken on their first location near Okolona in Louisville and on a site in Nicholasville, writes Chip Hutcheson for Kentucky Today. That store is expected to open in late summer or early fall of 2025.

A store is also planned in Bowling Green near the National Corvette Museum, with 15 other sites under contract across Boone, Bullitt, Fayette Hardin, Jefferson, Jessamine, Oldham, Scott, Shelby and Warren counties.

Wawa hopes to open 10 locations in 2025, with five more stores opening in 2026 and five stores each year thereafter.

Wawa’s expansion plans in Kentucky were announced at two Community Partnership events Sept. 26 in Louisvlle and Lexington.

It costs Wawa $7 million for each store, employing an average of 140 contractors and local partners.

When the stores open, each will employ an average of 35 associates.

Read more about Wawa’s plans in Kentucky in Kentucky Today.