- Wawa, a gas-station chain with a devoted fan base, was voted America's favorite sandwich shop in a recent consumer survey.
- It beat out several nationwide sandwich chains to take the title.
- We visited Wawa recently, and the high quality and low cost surprised us.
Wawa, the Pennsylvania-based gas-station chain, has a loyal fan base.
Those in the know — usually those who have grown up in the Mid-Atlantic states where Wawa is most highly concentrated — worship Wawa. With over 790 locations, the chain is no small-time regional player, and its reputation of high-quality sandwiches and food precedes it.
In Market Force Information's annual consumer survey, Wawa beat out several major sandwich chains — including last year's winner, Firehouse Subs — to be crowned America's best sandwich shop. Nearly 11,500 people voted in the survey.
We recently visited the chain to see what all the fuss was about, and we were duly impressed — impressed enough to declare that it's officially better than its main regional rival, Sheetz.
But to be voted the No. 1 sandwich chain in America? That's a heavy mantle. But as the saying goes, the customer is always right — here's why consumers think Wawa is the No. 1 sandwich shop in the country:
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Wawa is a Pennsylvania and New Jersey institution — one could say even more revered than its popular competitor, Sheetz.
We visited this Wawa in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, after hearing countless tales of the chain's superior sandwiches.
To call Wawa a gas station really sells it short; it's more of a deli with a convenience store that also happens to sell gas.
There's plenty of pre-prepared food as well, ranging from salads to wraps to full-fledged meals.
But forget the pre-prepared stuff — the freshly made sandwiches are what you want.
Most Wawas follow the same relaxing, non-distinct vibe of yellow and beige walls, as though you're being eased into a calming sandwich oasis.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider