Wawa lovers will soon be able to enjoy favorite hoagie classics without having to leave the comfort of their car.
Plans have been set in motion for the first-ever drive thru-only version of the chain to open in Falls Township on Dec. 10, with construction expected to begin by the end of August. The 1,840-square-foot location would be at the intersection of West Trenton Avenue and Pine Grove Road, with the drive-thru window fronting Route 13.
According to Mike Redel, Wawa real estate project engineer, this spot was chosen because the intersection sees an average of 25,000 cars per day, and is in the commercial district near a strong residential population. More than 50 potential locations were reviewed to determine a perfect fit for this inaugural drive-thru store. According to Redel, Falls Township was also chosen for its loyal customer base.
“Wawa is very excited about our planned drive-thru location in Falls Township,” he said. “This is a brand-new venture for us, and we think this location is the perfect place to test it.”
While a similar concept is currently under construction in Westampton, New Jersey, which adds a drive-thru window to an existing Wawa convenience store, Redel said the model in Bucks County is a bit different.
“It is meant to serve drive-thru customers only, with no customer access to the store,” he said. “The menu will be limited to our most popular items, with a focus on value bundles with chips and a drink.”
The company is slated to spend more than $2 million on the project, which will feature state-of-the-art technology for order taking and tracking; employ 25 associates, including four full-time employees; and also offer curbside pickup.
The Falls Township board of supervisors approved land development plans in 2017 for an adjacent Wawa situated at the former Acme, as well as a 14,578-square-foot pharmacy (which has since opened as a Rite Aid) and a 1,850-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru. The upcoming Wawa will be built in place of the restaurant. Wawa submitted site plans to the township on Wednesday, July 29.
Supervisors chairman Jeff Dence expressed his excitement for the fresh concept.
“Particularly in the wake of COVID-19, with concerns over minimizing person-to-person contact, Wawa’s drive thru-only store just makes sense,” Dence said. “Falls Township is proud to help Wawa pioneer such a forward-thinking development.”
In other Falls news, the supervisors approved naming township fire marshal Rich Dippolito as assistant township manager, effective Aug. 1.
Dippolito will continue to serve as fire marshal, a position he has held since 2008. In his new role, he will assist township manager Matt Takita on an as-needed basis. Prior to transitioning to township manager in June, Takita served as assistant township manager, along with his position as director of building, planning and code enforcement.
“The supervisors are excited to expand Rich’s duties,” Dence said. “Since he began his career with Falls almost 20 years ago, Rich has and continues to be an asset to our township and community.”
Dippolito was hired in 2002 as a fire inspector, and by August 2008, he was promoted to fire marshal and emergency management coordinator. In addition to his work with the township, Dippolito has served as a volunteer firefighter for Fairless Hills Fire Department since January 1978, and served nearly 20 years as the fire department’s chief.
In his new role, Dippolito will earn $130,000 per year. He said he looks forward to providing further assistance to Takita.
“He keeps me involved and aware of everything going on,” Dippolito said.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
