Wawa will join Walmart, Publix with new locations near Horry County. What we know
A beloved East Coast convenience store and popular fast food burger chain are set to open new North Carolina locations less than a mile from Horry County.
They will join two other major retail chains that also announced new stores in the same area.
Philadelphia-based store chain Wawa and Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers are building new locations in Carolina Shores, North Carolina, near Calabash.
Wawa has spread across the East Coast with more than 1,100 stores. Currently, the Wawa store nearest the Grand Strand is in Lumberton, about 90 miles away from Myrtle Beach.
But the planned Carolina Shores location will be less than 30 miles from Myrtle Beach, just over the North Carolina state line.
Publix announced in 2023 a new location opening on the northwest coroner of Calabash Road and Highway 17, The Sun News previously reported. A new Walmart also will be built in the same area. Construction has already begun for those stores.
The Brunswick Planning Department approved site plans to build a Wawa and Freddy’s in September, according to the Wilmington StarNews.
Although there are no plans to expand into South Carolina, the Calabash-area Wawa isn’t the only new location opening closer to Horry County. Over the summer, Wawa broke ground on a new store at South 17th St. and Wellington Avenue in Wilmington.
While there are Freddy’s restaurants in the Palmetto State, the closest location is out in Florence. Like the name suggests, the vintage-inspired chain is known for its frozen treats and hamburgers.
However, there are currently at least two Freddy’s that are planned for the Myrtle Beach area, The Sun News previously reported. One will be along S.C. 544 and the other along U.S. 501.
Wawa sells a variety of snacks and drinks, but devotees especially love the coffee and sandwiches. Other prepared food options include soups, salads and pizzas.
While opening dates haven’t yet been announced, fans will have to wait a while to visit. The Sun News has reached out to Wawa and Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers for comment.