A perceived Wawa-Sheetz rivalry has been a focus for decades in Pennsylvania as both companies work to dominate the Keystone State, writes Ryan Deto for Axios.
In reality, neither Delaware County’s Wawa nor Altoona’s Sheetz is dominating, though Sheetz has gained ground.
Both are tied as the second-highest rated convenience store chain in the country, according to the 2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index Convenience Store Study.
Last year, Wawa was named the top convenience store in the nation. Sheetz was fifth.
In sheer size, Wawa still holds the edge with a bigger presence than Sheetz. Wawa has 1,100 stores in 13 states and Washington, D.C.
Sheetz has over 800 stores in seven states. It is looking at 1,000 stores by 2028.
“Obviously, one is going to win eventually. … Especially when they are starting to infringe on each other’s territory,” said Duquesne University marketing professor Audrey Guskey.
As both chains continue to expand, they are now frequently bumping into each other.
Sheetz recently announced it would be moving into Downingtown, less than 20 miles from Wawa’s headquarters.
Wawa plans to open stores in Centre County, just 30 miles from Sheetz’s headquarters.
Read more about the neck-and-neck race between Wawa and Sheetz in Axios.
