by Wawa’s expansion into central Pennsylvania is picking up steam, with site work now underway at a potential new location in the Greencastle area.
Heavy equipment has been spotted at the corner of Buchanan Trail East and Grindstone Hill Road in Antrim Township, Franklin County. While Wawa has not officially confirmed the development, filings with Antrim Township and Franklin County list the site under the business name “Route 16 Development,” labeled as a “Proposed Wawa Food Market and Fueling Station.”
In addition, Antrim Township issued a permit for multiple Wawa signs on the property on May 6, further indicating that construction is likely tied to the popular convenience store chain.
Wawa Responds to Site Activity
Despite the visible progress, Wawa representatives remain tight-lipped about specific plans.
“We are excited about our expansion including areas of south-central PA but at this time we are not able to confirm locations or construction timelines for the location mentioned,” said Lori Bruce, Wawa’s senior manager of media relations, in response to inquiries.
What the Development Plans Show
Plans for the site include a 6,049-square-foot store and fueling station on a 1.75-acre parcel. The location is situated just east of the Borough of Greencastle and near Exit 5 off Interstate 81. It’s part of the Greencastle Crossing commercial area, which already includes Keystone Car Wash and Burger King. The proposed Wawa would sit diagonally across Route 16 from a Sheetz store, signaling a competitive convenience hub.
Wawa’s Ongoing Expansion in Central Pennsylvania
Wawa operates more than 1,100 stores across the East Coast, many offering fuel services and freshly made hoagies, coffee, and grab-and-go meals.
The company announced plans in 2022 to significantly expand in central Pennsylvania. In January 2025, Wawa opened its first store in Franklin County, located at Wayne and Sheller Avenues in Chambersburg. That store was just the beginning—Wawa aims to open 13 stores in central PA by the end of 2025, with 50 stores expected over the next 5 to 7 years, according to Katie Stevens, Wawa’s director of store operations.
“We are here to stay, and we are going to continue to expand,” Stevens said during the Chambersburg store’s grand opening.
Each new Wawa store represents a $7 million investment and involves about 140 contractors during construction. The expansion will create approximately 1,400 long-term jobs, with each store employing around 35 team members.
