- Wawa was voted the best sandwich shop in the US, despite only having locations on the East Coast.
- This was the first time in history a convenience store was awarded top place.
- The store is known for its fresh, made-to-order sandwiches and hoagies.
It is a momentous day for the Wawa fans.
The East coast chain broke records to become the first convenience store to be voted the best sandwich shop in the US in Market Force Information's annual survey of nearly 11,500 consumers – beating major players such as Jersey Mike's and Firehouse Subs, last year's winner.
Wawa has over 790 locations along the East Coast and is known for its high-quality, inexpensive food including its fresh, made-to-order sandwiches and baguette shaped hoagies, which it has sold since 1972.
The prices of its sandwiches vary by size but cost between $4 and $8 and can be served hot or cold.
In the survey, Wawa scored highest on value and speed of service. Meanwhile, national chain Arby's which has undergone a radical transformation since its new CEO Paul Brown took over in 2013, scored lowest in those categories, and was ranked in last place overall.
In 2017, Business Insider's reporters Kate Taylor and Hollis Johnson went to review the famous Wawa sandwiches and see what all the fuss is about:
"The humble hoagie is one of the main attractions at Wawa, and it does not disappoint. Served warm and well-toasted, with melty mozzarella and spongy yet hardy bread, the meatball hoagie is on the same level of quality as your favorite local deli," they wrote.
Here is the full ranking:
- Wawa: 64%
- Firehouse Subs: 62%
- Jersey Mike’s: 59%
- Jimmy John’s: 58%
- Jason’s Deli: 57%
- McAlister’s Deli: 57%
- Panera Bread: 54%
- Subway: 45%
- Arby’s: 42%
