Wawa has been named the top convenience store chain in the country by consumers.

Wawa's hoagies can't be beat.

The American Consumer Satisfaction Index's first ever convenience store study ranked the popular Philadelphia chain as the top spot for Americans to refill their gas tanks and stomachs.

The surveys were carried out for seven months, concluding in Sept. 2024, and evaluated store chains based on criteria such as store hours and locations' convenience, coffee freshness, food quality, wait times, and checkout speed, assigning scores from zero to 100.

According to the study, the convenience stores that prioritize food quality and the overall in-store experience are the most popular among consumers.

"According to Forrest Morgeson, director of research emeritus at the ACSI, big national and regional chains are focusing on providing attractive food offerings that go beyond preheated breakfast sandwiches to draw customers in."

In addition to hot sandwiches, pizza, and quesadillas, Wawa's menu includes a full breakfast selection, smoothies, shakes, baked goods, and fresh fruit.

Meanwhile, QuikTrip ranks No. 2 and offers a variety of food options, including tacos, BBQ sandwiches, and wraps.

These are the ACSI's top scoring convenience store chains:

1. Wawa (82 points)
2. QuikTrip (81 points)
3. Buc-ee's (80 points)
4. Murphy USA (80 points)
5. Casey's General Stores (79 points)
6. Sheetz (79 points)
7. Kwik Trip (78 points)
8. BP (77 points)
9. Cumberland Farms (77 points)
10. Speedway (77 points)

The report states that stores with robust loyalty programs have customers who are more satisfied, perceive higher value, visit more frequently, and are more likely to recommend the store to others compared to nonmembers.

For example, Wawa rewards its customers with 10 points for every dollar spent in-store, which can be redeemed for discounted fuel, free coffee, sandwiches, and pastries.

""Loyalty programs are a real differentiator, as they offer substantial benefits for frequent store visits, according to Morgeson," says Morgeson."

Expect gas station visits to improve as competition among chains intensifies.

""The companies that will thrive are those that provide the most fulfilling experience to customers, encouraging them to return and even recommend those locations to others," he remarks."

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