The first Wawa in Bradenton. Photo by Rachel S. O'Hara

Venice is getting a second Wawa

Maggie Menderski | Jan 17, 2017 1:51pm

Wawa will open its second Venice store at 8 a.m. Feb. 9.

The gas station and convenience store at 2970 Executive Drive, just south of the Interstate 75 and Jacaranda Boulevard interchange, will be the eighth Wawa to open in Southwest Florida. The Pennsylvania-based chain has expanded aggressively in Florida since it launched its first store here in 2012. The company now operates more than 100 stores in the Sunshine State.

Wawa is known for having a fiercely loyal customer base, cheap gas and a sandwich-shop-style food counter. The convenience chain’s menu features a wide variety of hoagies, mac and cheese, wraps, burritos, milkshakes and coffee beverages.

The grand opening will include giveaways, discounts and promotions. Other Wawas in the area typically have offered 10 days of free coffee as a way to welcome customers to new stores. A ribbon cutting is slated for 10 a.m.

The Jacaranda interchange has seen significant growth in recent years. The area is also home to RaceTrac and Speedway gas stations as well as a McDonald’s, a Dunkin Donuts and hotels.

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