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Charlie & Debbie

Super Popular Convenience Store Chain Plans More Expansion Into North Carolina

Author Debbie Nance

Convenience store chains really matter to folks these days it seems.  Of course, being a native Texan the first that comes to my mind is the crazy popular Buc-ee’s.  However, those native to Pennsylvania probably are more familiar with Wawa.  And, according to AXIOS Charlotte, Wawa North Carolina expansion might be even more than we first thought.

So, just last year Wawa announced groundbreaking news in Kill Devil Hills in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  That store plans opening this Spring at N. Croatan Highway and West 4th Street.  However, the previously announced 8 locations for North Carolina in the near future could grow even higher over the next decade.  According to a story from the Raleigh News & Observer, Wawa plans to open about 80 stores in the Eastern North Carolina region within the next 10 years or so.  But, there are no firm opening dates as of now.

Although, last year’s announcement concerning Wawa North Carolina expansion mentioned locations besides the Kill Devil Hills site including Elizabeth City, Wilson, Rocky Mount, Goldsboro and Greenville.  And, those additions make up the larger planned expansion of 280 stores in Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky over the next 10 years according to AXIOS Charlotte.  Furthermore, in press releases, CEO Chris Gheysens called the plans “the most aggressive growth” in Wawa history.

So, what is the popular convenience store famous for?  Customers love the hoagies and mac and cheese.   Pennsylvania based Wawa has around 1000 locations.  And, Wawa prides itself on fresh foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  And, it’s “Built to Order” and “Ready to Go.”  are popular.  Browsing the website, I love the looks of the sandwiches, sides and soups.  As far as snacks go, those stuffed pretzels look amazing.  And, for those with a sweet tooth there’s plenty of ice cream.

Plus, Wawa grand openings are an event.  Customers line up early for the 8 a.m. ribbon cuttings with chances for free t-shirts, award-winning coffees and a big party.  Their website points out each store generates at least 35 new local, long term jobs.  And, the company supports the community through charitable works and millions of dollars in fundraising.

So, we plan to keep an eye on Wawa North Carolina expansion for more news to follow!

3 of the Fastest Growing U.S. Cities Are Here In the Carolinas

Can you believe it? Tons of your favorite smaller cities are growing larger and larger by the day. There are cities that we once considered to be somewhat country towns that are now booming with people, businesses, homes, and more. We often wonder where are some of the most popular places to live in the U.S. But, that’s kind of hard to narrow down when there are some places growing at the speed of light. Over the years, there are certain parts of my hometown that I’ve seen go from woods and nothing to full-blown neighborhoods and schools. Some may love it and others may hate it, but our country is growing and growing every day by the minute.

Rocket Mortgage is naming the 15 fastest growing cities in the country and three of them are quite familiar to us. On the list of 15, there are 3 Carolina cities growing at the speed of light. Two cities in North Carolina and one in South Carolina. I decided to take a look into these three cities specifically so we can see where in the Carolinas people are relocating to. Can you guess? I certainly guessed one correctly, but here we go. In case you are contemplating moving out of the Carolinas and want to see the full list, check out the full report here.

  • 7. Concord, North Carolina

    Coming in at #7 on the list is Concord, North Carolina. Quite local to Charlotte, I am sure we have all seen the rise and growth of Concord over the last few years. In an area big for NASCAR and the mall, the area has seen a huge increase in residents over the years. The area is where tons of those who want to be close to Charlotte without living in the city may go. The population of Concord is over 111,000 people. From 2022 to 2023, there has been a population increase of about 1.82%.

  • 9. Cary, North Carolina

    Alright, we’ve got another North Carolina favorite. Right outside of Raleigh, the area of Cary is one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. Cary has made many list lately naming it one of the safest and richest cities in the U.S. as well. Cary is perfect for those single and wanting a nice size city or those with families looking for an area for their children to grow. It’s the right amount of things to do and calmness that you may need. With a population of over 180,000 people, no wonder the area is on this list. From 2022 to 2023, there has been an increase of people of about 0.91%.

  • 15. Charleston, South Carolina

    Now, we are taking a look into South Carolina. Not shy when it comes to lists, it’s Charleston, South Carolina. The area has been named one of the most beautiful cities, best cities in the world, and so much more over the years. Now, we’re analyzing the growth. As someone born and raised here, the city has grown extreme lengths from the time I was a child until now. With people moving for work, retirement, or school it’s able to create an atmosphere for so many people. With a population of over 150,000 people, there is no surprise this city is making this list.

Debbie Nance is the afternoon co-host along with her husband on "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for 18 years. Debbie is a CMA Award winner for Radio Personality of the Year. And, she has worked in radio for 40 years. Before her current afternoon position, Debbie spent more than a decade as co-host on morning shows in several markets across the Southeast. As a content creator for Country 1037, Debbie writes articles about food, new restaurants in the Carolinas and travel experiences.

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