Landowner submits plans for Wawa gas station/store

EAST COUNTY — Drivers traveling on University Parkway near Honore Avenue may have a new gas station to frequent — one that has earned a reputation for its food and beverage options.

A landowner has submitted to Sarasota County a request form and proposal for a Wawa convenience store/gas station across the street from Kohl’s, at 4900 University Parkway, Sarasota. It would be the first gas station west of I-75, east of Lockwood Ridge Road.

Last week, Sarasota County’s Development Review Committee met to discuss the idea of bringing the retailer to the East County. The committee reviews proposed projects and provides feedback to the developer on the best ways to proceed.

“The Wawa proposal for the intersection of University Parkway and Honore Avenue is still in the preliminary stages,” said Curt Preisser, communications specialist for Sarasota County.

Moving forward, the owner of the 3.6-acre parcel, the Donald H. Corneal Revocable Trust, must submit a permit application.

Wawa, which patrons know for its frozen cappuccinos, smoothies, hoagies, wraps and other food and beverage items, has more than 640 stores nationwide, of which 380 locations also sell gasoline.

Customers can dine in or take items to go.

The company opened a store in Pinellas Park last year, becoming Wawa’s first location in the Tampa Bay area. Wawa hopes to open 56 stores in Florida by the end of this year.

Wawa representatives did not return calls for comment by press time Tuesday.

BY THE NUMBERS
400 million — The number of customers Wawa stores serve annually
640 — The number of convenience stores currently open for business
380 —The number of locations that offer gasoline
56 — The number of stores Wawa plans to have open in Florida by the end of 2014
50 — The number of years the chain has been open
5 — The number of states that house Wawa convenience stores

DID YOU KNOW?
Wawa’s name came from the company’s first headquarters location, in Wawa, Pa. The name of the town stems from the American Indian word wawa, which means Canada goose. The goose serves as the company’s logo today.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].