WAWA, PA — Convenience store chain Wawa is officially entering the Middle Tennessee market, breaking ground on its first two stores in Murfreesboro and Clarksville as part of a long-term expansion plan that could bring up to 50 locations to the region over the next ten years.
At a Community Partnership event held on August 12 at Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, Wawa leaders outlined the company’s growth strategy, community involvement plans, and hiring opportunities. The event, along with two groundbreaking ceremonies, offered residents and officials a “Taste of Wawa,” featuring coffee, pretzels, teas, and other menu items.
The Murfreesboro store, located at 5109 Veterans Parkway, and the Clarksville store, at 1290 Parkway Place, are both slated to open in the second half of 2026. Wawa plans to open six stores in the market that year as the first phase of its regional rollout.
“It’s official! Wawa is proud to be expanding to the Middle Tennessee market,” said Joe Collins, Wawa’s director of store operations. “We are excited to announce our plans and officially start construction on our stores and look forward to our first grand openings to begin serving the community in 2026.”
Each new Wawa location will require roughly $7.5 million in investment and employ around 140 contractors during construction. Once operational, stores will create an average of 35 permanent jobs, with more than 1,750 long-term positions expected from the Tennessee expansion.
The privately held, associate-owned company emphasizes its employee stock ownership plan, which gives associates a 39% stake in the business. Wawa says it is looking to recruit team members who share its people-first approach and community-focused values as it builds its Tennessee presence.
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