A friendly rivalry has raged for decades in Pennsylvania about who is better–Wawa or Sheetz–but it was a friendly competition because they pretty much stayed in their own territories.

Now Wawa is moving into Sheetz’ home turf, with 40 stores in central Pennsylvania. Is Wawa now intentionally taking on its rival?

Not at all, according to Wawa President Brian Schaller, writes Matt Rourke for the Tribune News Service, as reported in the Daily Times.

Schaller said Wawa’s been focusing its energies over the years on growing its core Philadelphia market but had always eyed neighboring communities such as Harrisburg.

He said Wawa is drawn to the potential in Harrisburg’s growing population and development.

“We feel the time is right. We feel that the customer need is there. It’s really about the convenience and the connection,” he said.

Wawa and Sheetz have already been competing, Schaller pointed out, with both operating in markets such as Virginia.

“Certainly, you go where you see opportunity and both companies go where they see opportunity, but as I said we have at least 50 or 60 stores that compete. That’s not new to us,” Schaller said.

Read more of Wawa President Brian Schaller’s thoughts on Sheetz in  the Daily Times.