Wawa celebrates new store

Wawa hosted a grand opening ceremony June 5 for its newest Orange County store, at 8849 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Winter Garden.

The new store will feature numerous Wawa brands, such as its coffee, “Sizzliä” hot breakfast sandwich and new line of specialty beverages.

Attendees of the event included local officials, Wawa employees and Wawa’s mascot, Wally Goose. It concluded with a charitable hoagie building competition between members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Rescue, with Wawa presenting checks on behalf of the winning and runner-up teams for $1,000 to the charities of their choice.

“In 2014, we’re celebrating a number of incredible milestones: our 50th Anniversary, the launch of our community foundation, the release of our first-ever book and the grand opening of 45 new stores,” said Chris Gheysens, Wawa’s president. “We could not be more excited to be setting the tone for 2014 with a new store right here in Orange County, expanding the Wawa experience to more customers than ever before. We’re looking forward to having the opportunity to not just serve this community, but to help fulfill our customers’ lives in new and more meaningful ways.”