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If you’ve ever grabbed a hoagie and coffee at Wawa, you might have wondered—what’s with the name and the goose? Turns out, Wawa’s origins go way back, and the story is as unique as the store itself.
It All Started with a Dairy Farm
Wawa’s roots trace back to 1902, when founder George Wood established a dairy farm in a small community in Delaware County, Pennsylvania—named, fittingly, Wawa. Wood not only ran his dairy business there but also lived near a train station by a creek where Canada geese frequently gathered.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name "Wawa" comes from a Native American word meaning "wild goose," which makes the company’s iconic logo more than just a random bird—it’s a nod to history. Wawa had already included geese in some of its dairy product labels in the early 1900s, but the branding wasn’t fully set in stone just yet.
The Logo That Took Flight
It wasn’t until 1974 that Wawa’s now-famous flying goose and gold background officially took shape. The winning design came from an unexpected source—a Villanova University student and part-time Wawa employee. The company held a logo contest, and his design became the emblem recognized by millions today.
From a small Pennsylvania dairy to a beloved convenience store empire, Wawa’s name and logo are rooted in local history, nature, and even a bit of college creativity. So next time you stop by for your coffee fix, just remember—you’re carrying on a legacy that started with a farm, a flock of geese, and a winning idea.
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