Sarasota, Bradenton Wawas Open Thursday

Wawa fans in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas will have two new locations to visit starting Thursday morning. The chain has announced grand opening celebrations for both new stores.

Sarasota Wawa Opening Details

The new Sarasota store is located at 3703 N. Washington Blvd. The grand opening is scheduled for 9 a.m. June 9, but the store officially opens to the public at 8 a.m.

The Sarasota location is the first one in Sarasota County and the 91st in the state, Wawa noted in a media release. The store’s opening will include giveaways and festivities. Free coffee will be available through June 19.

As part of Wawa’s charitable giving efforts, Wawa will also stage a Hoagies for Heroes event during the grand opening celebration. This hoagie building competition will pit members of the Sarasota Police Department, Sarasota County Fire Department, Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater and 3-265th Air Defense Artillery “in a battle of bravery, skill and sandwich-making expertise,” the release said.

The team that builds the most hoagies in 3 minutes in the traditional Wawa way will earn money for the charity of its choice. Runner up teams will also get cash for their favorite charities.

Bradenton Wawa Opening Details

The Bradenton store is located at 4506 53rd Ave. E.

The store’s grand opening is set for 11 a.m., but service to the public will also begin at 8 a.m. June 9. The location is the fifth for Manatee County and will be the 92nd in Florida.

Just like the Sarasota store, the Bradenton one will also offer giveaways during its grand opening with free coffee available through June 19. The Hoagies for Heroes competition here will pit the South Manatee Fire Department, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Bradenton Police Department, Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater and 3-265th Air Defense Artillery against each other.

For more information about Wawa, visit the company online.

Photo courtesy of Wawa