Wawa and Sheetz tied for second-best convenience store chain in national survey.
A recent survey has revealed that Wawa and Sheetz customers across the United States exhibit similar levels of satisfaction for the second consecutive year. According to the latest findings from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) Convenience Store Study, Wawa has maintained a competitive edge in the Northeast region, particularly in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where it surpassed Sheetz as the preferred choice among consumers. The previous year, both chains had tied for the top position.
The ACSI report indicated that Wawa, based in Delaware County, Sheetz from Altoona, and Oklahoma’s QuikTrip achieved a score of 80 out of 100, maintaining a strong presence in consumer satisfaction. However, this marks a slight decline for both Wawa and Sheetz, which fell two points compared to their performance in 2025. These chains are now ranked just below Meijer, which holds the highest satisfaction rating at 82.
In terms of regional performance, Sheetz captured the top spot in the Midwest, while Wawa led in the Southern U.S. These findings underscore Wawa’s unique ability to dominate customer preferences in two different geographical areas. In their responses to the study, Wawa representatives expressed pride in their inclusion among the favored brands. Meanwhile, a spokesperson from Sheetz did not provide a comment when approached.
The overall analysis of the convenience store sector revealed a slight dip in customer satisfaction, driven by declining ratings in mobile app quality, store organization, and cleanliness. Expert commentary from Forrest Morgeson, a marketing professor at Michigan State University, highlighted the rising expectations consumers have for convenience stores, particularly regarding in-store experiences and mobile capabilities. He noted that issues such as poorly functioning apps or neglected facilities can significantly impact how customers perceive their shopping experience.
As food service becomes an increasingly vital revenue stream, accounting for over 28% of sales in convenience stores, the pressure is on for chains like Wawa and Sheetz to enhance their in-store offerings. Data indicates that approximately 15% of customers choosing prepared foods from convenience stores opted to do so instead of visiting fast-food establishments.
Both companies have expanded their footprints in recent years, with Wawa operating about 1,200 stores across 13 states and Sheetz featuring 800 locations in seven states. This expansion has led to intensified competition, particularly in Pennsylvania, where the chains’ markets are increasingly overlapping.
The latest ACSI Convenience Store Study was informed by surveys completed by nearly 10,000 consumers, reflecting a broad spectrum of experiences and evaluations pertinent to customer satisfaction in the convenience store sector. As the chains continue to evolve and adapt, their performance in future customer satisfaction assessments will be pivotal in shaping their competitive landscapes.
Media News Source
