Convenience store chain Wawa has set an opening date for its next two stores in southwest Alabama, with locations in Robertsdale and west Mobile to open in late August.

According to information provided by the chain, new stores at 7095 Cottage Hill Road in Mobile and 21022 Ala. 59 in Robertsdale both will open on Thursday, Aug. 29.

At the Mobile store, which is at the intersection of Cottage Hill Road and Sollie Road, doors will open at 8 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting at 8:30 a.m.

At the Baldwin County location, at the intersection of Ala. 59 and Baldwin 48 on the south side of Robertsdale, doors will open at 8 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting at 11:30 a.m.

Wawa is a chain that has developed a loyal fan base thanks to strengths such as its selection of made-to-order hoagies and attentive customer service. Until recently, its 1,000-plus stores were distributed primarily along the East Coast and throughout Florida’s main peninsula. But in 2022 it announced plans for a rapid expansion along the Florida Panhandle and the central Gulf Coast.

The company broke ground for its first Mobile store in November 2023. In April it opened its first Alabama location, in Fairhope, after a jam-packed preview event. The Fairhope opening was a blowout attended by curious locals and by hardcore Wawa fans who, in some cases, had driven hours to be there.

Like that one, the two upcoming openings will feature “festivities, ribbon cuttings, announce community partnerships and support for local organizations and celebrate local everyday heroes with its signature ‘Hoagies for Heroes’ initiative,” according to information provided by the company.

“We are excited to continue our expansion into South Alabama with two stores opening on the same day, as well as others under construction,” Joe Collins, director of store operations, said in a company announcement. “We look forward to continuing to bring our unique brand of fresh food, beverages and convenience to new areas and to further our commitment to providing the community with not only a new level of convenience but a strong, committed community partner.”

Wawa says that additional stores are under construction at 664 Schillinger Road in Mobile, projected to open in the fourth quarter of 2024; and at Ala. 181 and Ala. 104 in Fairhope, to open in early 2025.

Wawa officials have said the company plans to open seven to 10 stores in the Baldwin County and Mobile markets over the next few years. Each represents an investment of about $7 million and an average of 35 jobs.