From where I sit, Buc-ee’s and Wawa represent one of the greatest rivalries in convenience stores.
Both are regional chains (Wawa in the Northeast, Buc-ee’s in the South).
Both are growing rapidly.
And both have rabid fan bases.
But which is the best?
Let’s dive right in…
Follow The Coconut Mama
• For fun lists, healthy living tips, and bar conversation topics, make sure to follow The Coconut Mama. Click here to access The Coconut Mama’s profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!
• Have feedback? Add a comment below!
Shutterstock
I’ve included nine pieces of criteria, which we’ll judge Buc-ee’s and Wawa on head-to-head.
Generally speaking, I don’t think you’re reading this to see a bunch of ties – so I’m going to do my best to include as few as possible.
Because, while most of it is ultimately a matter of opinion…
It’s important to take a stand.
On to the rankings!
Shutterstock
Given that each Buc-ee’s has a footprint of 50,000+ square feet vs just ~4,000 for Wawa, it’s naturally got quite a bit more food.
This even extends to the prepared foods.
While Wawa certainly delivers some solid American variety (mac n cheese, sandwiches, chicken tenders, sizzlis, etc.) – Buc-ee’s goes absolutely overboard with kolaches, beaver tots, fried chicken sandwiches, barbecue, and a hundred other amazing delights.
Advantage: Buc-ee’s
Shutterstock
Wawa’s food is excellent – especially the turkey bowls and bagel sandwiches.
But Buc-ee’s is on a whole different level.
They have literal pitmasters on staff to create amazing barbecue.
And their pie cups are the best roadtrip food ever.
Advantage: Buc-ee’s
Shutterstock
Put differently – how quickly can you get in and out?
Wawa absolutely demolishes Buc-ee’s on this metric – there’s no way to get in and out of a Buc-ee’s in less than 30 minutes.
Advantage: Wawa
Shutterstock
My experience of Wawa’s bathrooms has generally been pretty good.
But Buc-ee’s literally made their name on clean bathrooms, so no surprise that they win it.
(But narrowly – my experience with both has been quite good.)
Advantage: Buc-ee’s
Shutterstock
Both offer some amenities – several varieties of gas, electric vehicle charging, car washes – but Wawa’s are far easier to find and access.
Part of that is the fact that Wawa operates over 1,000 stores, while Buc-ee’s has just 60.
Advantage: Wawa
Shutterstock
Honestly, this one’s a tie.
Each has their distinctive logo, each is awesome in their own way.
Advantage: Neither (tie)
Follow The Coconut Mama
• For fun lists, healthy living tips, and bar conversation topics, make sure to follow The Coconut Mama. Click here to access The Coconut Mama’s profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!
• Have feedback? Add a comment below!
Shutterstock
This one’s probably the easiest decision of the bunch.
Wawa has a rewards program; Buc-ee’s does not.
Wawa’s program is pretty solid, too – 10 points per dollar spent when you use the app to make a purchase, and five points per gallon when you use the app at the pump.
Plus, there’s the usual “maybe you’ll get a surprise on your birthday” and special offers and discounts.
Advantage: Wawa
Shutterstock
I’ve never had a bad experience at either a Buc-ee’s or a Wawa – probably why both have such rabid fan bases.
Of course, I haven’t visited every Wawa or Buc-ee’s either – there are over a thousand Wawas, after all…
So I’m gonna call this one a tie.
Please share YOUR Wawa or Buc-ee’s experience in the comments!
Advantage: Neither (tie)
Shutterstock
When I was in college a million years ago, we were all members of a Facebook group called “cult of the Wawa.”
So – fair to say people are pretty fanatical about Wawa!
And on Buc-ee’s end – I mean, the new Buc-ee’s under construction in Kansas City is expected to get four million visitors per year…so, yeah, people are pretty “in” to Buc-ee’s as well.
I’m going to give a narrow advantage to Buc-ee’s here; it’s national footprint is so large given it has less than 100 stores, and that’s because its customers love it so much.
Advantage: Buc-ee’s
Shutterstock
In our rankings, we have Buc-ee’s winning four categories, Wawa three, and two are ties.
That grants a narrow advantage to Buc-ee’s, which to be honest feels about right.
Winner: Buc-ee’s
I’m sure plenty of Wawa fans will be mad at me – and hey, I get it – but give Buc-ee’s a try (with an open mind) and let me know what you think.
What do YOU think we should have included in the rankings? Sound off in the comments!
Shutterstock
Leave a Comment