Sandy-damaged Wawa stores to reopen featuring new design prototypes

Last Updated on Sunday, January 27, 2013 11:42 am Written by Cindy Nevitt Friday, January 25, 2013 06:10 pm

Cindy Nevitt / The Wawa store in the 1200 block of West Avenue in Ocean City, originally scheduled to reopen in January following extensive damage from Superstorm Sandy, is predicted to open on Feb. 28, and will feature the chain’s newest design prototype.

Gotta have a Wawa? You’ve gotta wait a little longer.

The food market chain announced this week that it will reopen five Sandy-damaged Jersey Shore stores in the next two months, starting with the location in the 1200 block of West Avenue in Ocean City. That store, originally scheduled to reopen in January, is predicted to open Feb. 28, and will feature the newest design prototype.

“Some of the dates have shifted from our original projections due to the additional work we are doing to improve the stores on top of the renovations they needed due to storm damage,” said Lori Bruce of the company’s public relations department.

Ocean City will be the first of the five storm-damaged stores to reopen at the shore. Avalon is scheduled to reopen March 7, Margate on March 14, and Long Beach and Ship Bottom sometime during March.

“The Ocean City store will have in-store roll baking and freshly prepared milkshakes when it reopens,” Bruce said in an email Thursday night.

According to Sal Mattera, vice president of store operations, most of the storm-damaged stores will include such upgraded features as: New food service layout and food service innovations including built-to-order milkshakes and in-store roll baking ovens; All interior components brought up to new brand standards – including new tile throughout food service and beverage area; Newly designed express cases; and all cabinetry and refrigeration cases upgraded and replaced.

Wawa plans a 10-day reopening promotion at each of the affected location to thank customers for their patience during the renovation period, Mattera said, including free coffee and deals on hoagies and other items.

The company also announced it will make a $1,000 donation per store to the Feeding America Food Bank located in each community. Locally, the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in Egg Harbor Township will be the beneficiary.