Hundreds flooded into Brevard County's first Wawa convenience store Thursday.

  • 1st Wawa convenience store opens in Brevard
  • Wawa stores have been in Central Florida since 2012
  • 2nd Brevard Wawa location opening next week

The Palm Shores location, at the corner of Wickham Road and the Pineda Causeway, was packed with people fueling up and grabbing free coffee and treats.

The company, with headquarters in Pennsylvania and 725 stores nationwide, has been working to expand to the Space Coast for some time.

The chain boasts fresh sandwiches, soups and snacks.

Wawa first-timers said they were excited to have one in their neighborhood.

"I think there's something for everyone in the community. It's very user-friendly," Karen Biamonte said.

Wawa is also opening a West Melbourne location on State Road 192 next week.

The company has had a Central Florida footprint since 2012.

"Wawa" is a Native American word for the Canada goose that was found in the Delaware Valley, thus the use of the goose in their corporate logo.