Wawa Ranked No.1 Convenience Store In The US By Customers
Customers have made their voices heard, and the top convenience store in the country is clear. Philadelphia-based Wawa claimed the top spot, earning a score of 82 out of 100 in a recent customer satisfaction study, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index.
QuikTrip followed closely behind with a score of 81, while Buc-ee’s and Murphy USA both secured scores of 80.
The surveys, conducted over a seven-month period ending in September 2024, rated chains from zero to 100 on factors such as store hours, coffee quality, food offerings, and checkout speed.
The findings show that customers are increasingly focused on the quality of food and the in-store experience when choosing where to stop.
Hoagies remain a major attraction for Wawa customers, while QuikTrip is expanding its QT Kitchens across the chain. Buc-ee’s is known for its extensive range of on-the-go food options, and Casey’s General Stores, which earned a satisfaction score of 79 (tied with Sheetz), has become a Midwest favorite for pizza, including both traditional and breakfast varieties. The study also highlights that Casey’s is now the fifth-largest pizza provider in the U.S. based on the number of kitchens.
Top-performing stores share another common factor: strong loyalty programs. The report notes that stores with memberships have more satisfied customers, who see greater value, visit more often, and are likelier to recommend the store to others.
Wawa, for example, offers its members 10 points for every dollar spent in-store. These points can be redeemed for rewards such as discounted fuel, free coffee, sandwiches, and pastries.
“Loyalty programs are a real differentiator,” says Morgeson. “They provide significant perks for customers who visit their stores regularly.”
“Convenience stores are no longer just a quick stop for gas and snacks — they are becoming serious competitors in the food service industry,” said Forrest Morgeson, director of research at ACSI.
Wawa’s popular hoagies and Buc-ee’s diverse food options are major draws, while QuikTrip is expanding its offerings with QT Kitchens for more in-store food choices.
The study also highlighted that most chains exceeded the industry average score of 76, receiving high marks for operating hours, locations, mobile ordering, and loyalty programs.
Reddit users chimed in on the Wawa results, with one commenting, “I moved to Phoenix and I miss Wawa more than my friends. Wawa was always there for me, any time, any day of the week. If I was feeling sick or depressed, Wawa was there for some easy food. If I needed a late-night snack, Wawa was there. If I needed coffee… Wawa. Was. There.” Another added, “I travel all over NJ for work and literally plan my route around Wawa locations for fuel, coffee, and food during the day.”
