Wawa is finally touching down in Indiana, and Daleville — a small town most Hoosiers would miss on the map — is getting the honor. The convenience store chain known for its hoagies, coffee, and cult-like following has set May 15 as the date. Yep, it’s official.

And this isn’t a one-off. Wawa plans to open as many as 10 locations across Indiana by the end of the year. For a state that’s never seen the iconic goose logo in its borders, it’s about to become a lot more familiar.

From Philly Favorite to Midwest Player

For years, Wawa was the East Coast’s best-kept not-so-secret. Born in Pennsylvania, it quickly became a staple in New Jersey, Delaware, and Florida.

Now? It wants Indiana.

The Daleville store is just the beginning. Wawa confirmed in a press release that it’s got its eye on multiple Indiana locations, but hasn’t publicly named all of them yet.

Just for reference, Daleville isn’t exactly a booming metropolis. Fewer than 2,000 people live there. But it’s right along Interstate 69 and only about an hour from Fort Wayne — perfect placement for highway traffic and day-trippers.

Why Daleville?

Good question. Why not Indianapolis? Or even Fort Wayne itself?

Well, location matters more than population when it comes to gas stations-slash-delis. Daleville sits smack along a well-traveled corridor and sees a decent amount of long-haul drivers and pass-through traffic.

There’s also the benefit of less competition. Unlike major cities that already have big chains fighting for dominance, Daleville offers Wawa a cleaner slate.

And honestly, this isn’t Wawa’s first small-town rodeo. It has a pattern:

• Start in smaller towns or suburbs

• Build hype

• Expand into cities later

How Many Stores Are Coming to Indiana?

That’s still a bit fuzzy. But we do have a number: 10.

That’s what Wawa says it expects to open before 2025 is out. While not all locations have been disclosed, industry watchers believe areas like Anderson, Muncie, and maybe even parts of Indy’s suburbs are in play.

Here’s a breakdown of what we know:

The rollout seems deliberate — not too fast, not too slow. Wawa’s playing the long game here.

What’s the Big Deal About Wawa?

If you’ve never been to a Wawa, you might be scratching your head. It’s just a gas station, right?

Not exactly.

Wawa blends a made-to-order food counter, fresh coffee, snacks, and traditional convenience store goods all under one roof. It’s a one-stop-shop that fans swear by — like, genuinely love.

One sentence here.

Another short one right after that.

Hoagies are the star. But it’s the coffee and the touchscreens for ordering that usually win people over. It feels clean. Fast. Friendly. And unlike many gas station brands, Wawa has a serious loyalty base.

Indiana’s Changing Convenience Store Scene

Indiana’s no stranger to regional convenience store giants. It already has chains like Casey’s, Speedway, and Circle K dotting the map.

But Wawa brings something different — a reputation that blends East Coast nostalgia with reliable Midwest expansion strategy.

This move also signals something larger: national chains are zeroing in on mid-sized markets like Indiana as competition in saturated states tightens.

Don’t forget:

• Casey’s just opened its 2,600th store this year

• Sheetz is making moves in neighboring states like Ohio and Kentucky

• Buc-ee’s is rumored to be scouting Midwest territory too

One-line sentence to break it up.

It’s a convenience store turf war — and Indiana’s suddenly a battlefield.

What’s Next for Wawa?

Wawa’s expansion isn’t just limited to Indiana. The company has announced aggressive growth plans that stretch all the way to Kentucky, Ohio, and even Tennessee.

But Indiana’s getting the first taste.

There’s no flashy press tour yet. No giant ad campaign. Just a quiet statement and a store opening in a town most people only pass through.

But that’s probably the point.

For Wawa, this isn’t about one store in Daleville. It’s about testing the waters. Seeing how Hoosiers respond. And then — if all goes well — making themselves a permanent fixture.

One sentence, real quick.

Locals are curious. Some excited. Some confused. But one thing’s clear: May 15’s gonna be a busy day in Daleville.