News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

Sheetz vs Wawa: Which Iconic Convenience Store Is Worth Your Money?

Opinions differ sharply about which retailer is best.

wawa convenience store in manassas
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

The East Coast is home to two legendary convenience stores: Sheetz and Wawa.

Each of these stores has a loyal following among drivers looking for gas or a bite to eat. But which store is better for those hoping to employ smart shopping hacks when they are on the road?

See if you agree with these Redditors’ opinions about which store sizzles and which store fizzles.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Fried food: Sheetz

Lukas Gojda/Adobe falling fresh french fries

Both convenience stores offer fried food, but one generates more Reddit enthusiasm than the other.

“You can’t beat Sheetz for fried appetizers,” commented Redditor zeajsbb. Reddit user TheTostitoBoy said, “The best food items at Sheetz are all deep fried.”

Hoagies: Wawa

Ezume Images/Adobe italian chicken cutlet sandwich

Hoagies are a favorite of Pennsylvania residents who enjoy the sandwiches piled high with meats and cheeses. And according to folks on Reddit, Wawa does it so well.

“Wawa hoagies are the stuff of legend,” said Reddit user BillyRubenJoeBob. Another nameless Redditor described the sandwich as “excellent.”

Breakfast: Wawa

Tada Images/Adobe wawa logo in malvern, pennsylvania

Breakfast is a good way to start the day, which is why some fans suggest you pull into Wawa one morning to check out the options.

When comparing the two stores, Reddit user haze_gray said Wawa has the better breakfast. Redditor MamaSlytherin said simply, “Breakfast anything... then I'm going to Wawa.”

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Lunch: Sheetz

Joshua Resnick/Adobe deli meat sandwich

On the other hand, you may have better options for a good lunch when you head to Sheetz. It has some good sandwich options.

“I do prefer a turkey and Swiss from Sheetz over any lunch sandwiches from Wawa,” said one user on Reddit.

Coffee: Wawa

Farknot Architect/Adobe Waitress serving hot coffee to customer.

If you don’t like soda, grab a cup of Wawa coffee before you head back on the road.

“Wawa’s coffee is infinitely better,” said Reddit user rafiki-music. Redditor BlueHeelerChemist said that “the coffee is miles ahead of Sheetz.”

Cleanliness: Sheetz

Kzenon/Adobe janitor woman cleaning urinals

Cleanliness can be an important factor, especially if you are getting out of the car after a long driving stint or just need a bathroom break.

Customers who have tried both Sheetz and Wawa have a favorite for this. “Love Sheetz! They always had decent to-go food and clean bathrooms,” said Loveya448 on Reddit. Another nameless Reddit user agreed that the bathrooms are always very clean.

Locations: Wawa

Lawr/Adobe wawa convenience store and gas station

Wawa and Sheetz are both focused on the East Coast, but they are expanding and could be coming to your city next.

Sheetz has locations in six states, with stores expected to open in Michigan later this year. But Wawa has the edge, with locations in eight states as well as Washington, D.C.

Variety: Sheetz

Александр Гаврилычев/Adobe an assortment of fast food

Wawa and Sheetz both have options if you need a bite to eat, but Sheetz might offer more options.

“I don’t always want a sub, and Sheetz has like just about anything you could want,” explained Reddit user Passname357.

Food quality: Wawa

nicoletaionescu/Adobe girl having a sandwich outside

Some customers insist that Sheetz doesn’t have the same quality of food compared to what you can get at Wawa.

Reddit user Mik390 complained that Sheetz is more expensive even though the food quality is worse than at Wawa. Redditor eXile200 maintained that “there’s been a definite drop in food quality” at Sheetz.

Stop overpaying when you shop online

Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.

Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.

Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!2

Get Capital One Shopping now

Truck stop: Sheetz

Refrina/Adobe sheetz gas station

Those who need to park a large truck or tractor-trailer might want to stop at Sheetz.

Sheetz has you covered, with locations that include overnight truck parking, showers, and laundry facilities.

Bottom line

Refrina/Adobe sheetz gas station manassas

Stores such as Sheetz and Wawa can help you stretch your fast-food budget by giving you affordable options while you are on the road.

You also may want to consider downloading the apps for the stores so you can earn extra perks and points when you stop for gas, food, or other options at Wawa and Sheetz.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0
info

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details


Author Details

Jenny Cohen

Jenny Cohen is a freelance writer who has covered a bit of everything, from finance to sports to her favorite TV shows. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and FoxSports.com.