Wawa, which plans to have nearly 30 locations in Georgia, breaks ground in Pooler

Pooler is one step closer to having its Wawa.

The convenience store chain broke ground Wednesday at the intersection of Pooler Parkway and Pine Barren Road, after being approved for the location by Pooler City Council in February.

The chain expects to complete construction on this location, as well as locations in Brunswick and Jesup, by the end of 2024 or early 2025. Two additional locations in Hinesville will begin construction in the early summer with an expected opening date of early 2025.

"This is definitely about Pooler and the Greater Savannah area but it's also about spreading our wings into a new region and the state," said John Poplawski, Wawa Vice President & Chief Real Estate Officer for Wawa. "For Wawa, introducing our culture, our food, it's always thrilling to be able to bring that to a new place or back to people who have relocated."

Background: Wawa plan gets approval: 'You can't stop growth in Pooler, but we can be smart about it.'

Poplawski highlighted the growing population and "strong community leadership and roots" as two of the reasons they chose Pooler to expand to.

"It just made sense," Poplawski said. "We're thrilled to fill the need in the community in terms of fresh, convenient, fast and delicious food."

Wawa offers specialty beverages, grocery store foods, made-to-order meals, snacks and desserts that has earned it a cult-following. Mayor Karen Williams said that she was thrilled the convenience store was coming to Pooler.

"I feel their stay in Pooler will be a remarkable one, and that the community will find them to be an asset just as I do," Williams said. "I congratulate them on coming to Pooler and look forward to future endeavors."

Beyond Pooler, Wawa plans to open 3-4 stores a year in Georgia, with a goal of approximately 30 stores across the state with five specifically in the greater Savannah area.

Wawa invests $7 million per store, and employs 140 contractors and local partners with 35 associates per store. They expect to create almost 1,000 long-term new jobs in Georgia as a result of the expansion.

Destini Ambus is the general assignment reporter for Chatham County municipalities for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach her at dambus@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Wawa, which plans to have nearly 30 locations in Georgia, breaks ground in Pooler