Wawa Seeks Stories for Upcoming Book

WAWA, Pa. -- Wawa Inc. is giving its customers a chance to be part of its history.

"Do you have a Wawa story you want to share? We're collecting stories from our wonderful customers to feature in retired CEO Howard Stoeckel's upcoming book about Wawa's history to be published next year," the locally based convenience store retailer posted on Facebook.

The post also provides customers a link to submit their stories.

Stoeckel stepped down as Wawa's CEO at the end of December, handing the baton to President Chris Gheysens, but retained his seat on the company's board of directors.

Under Stoeckel's watch, Wawa made its journey south to open its first stores in Florida. In addition to the retailer's expansion into the Sunshine State, Stoeckel has led Wawa's journey from a convenience store company to a "fast casual on the go" company. The company reached another important milestone when it opened its 200th gasoline store in 2006 -- just 10 years after opening the first Wawa with gas.

Stoeckel was appointed president and CEO, as well as vice chairman of the board of directors, on Jan. 1, 2005. He began his tenure at the company in 1987.

Wawa owns and operates more than 600 convenience stores, including 300 gas stores, in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Florida.