There’s speculation about what should go into the two now-vacant Wawa stores in Center City. Some are suggesting Wawa’s archrival—Sheetz, writes Lizzy McLellan Ravitch for Billy Penn.

Not that Wawa’s exit didn’t leave a door open. When the closures were announced in October, a Wawa statement said it “hope [s] to repurpose these two locations to further benefit Philadelphia.”

Whatever that means.

Philadelphians had their own ideas on what should replace the stores.

Some suggested community services, like youth recreation, or a resource center for the homeless or mentally ill.

Public bathrooms made the list.

But among the 150-plus responses to a Billy Penn poll, a Center City Sheetz was the most common answer.

“Sheetz!” wrote Jordan, a 38-year-old South Philly resident. “Wawa has made it clear that it wants no part of Philly anymore. Maybe it is time to start a new tradition.”

“Wawa was the perfect tenant for 12th and Market. A store with a similar business model should replace it,” said a less emotional 68-year-old from Chestnut Hill.

The two brands have been rivals for decades with Sheetz dominating the field west of the Susquehanna River and Wawa east.  

Read more about this informal poll recommending that Sheetz replace Center City Wawas at Billy Penn.

Check out this promotional video for Sheetz.