Happy Earth Month to our readers! Since 1970 we have been celebrating this incredible place we call Earth. This year’s theme is “Our Power Our Planet” which, according to earthday.org, reflects “a fundamental truth: environmental progress doesn’t depend on any single administration or election. It’s sustained by daily actions of communities, educators, workers, and families protecting where they live and work.” Let’s keep moving forward to make our Earth an even better planet for generations to come. What are you doing to increase your company’s participation to ensure our planet’s survival?
So, you all may know that there’s a convenience store turf war going on and Pennsylvania is ground zero. This happens with many regional companies. Not just retailers, but CPG manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers as well. Both Wawa and Sheetz are expanding to the Midwest, which is open territory. But the gloves have come off in our area and Sheetz is opening in Wawa’s back yard and vice versa. In February, Sheetz opened in Limerick, PA directly across the street from Wawa. However, Sheetz has something Wawa doesn’t. Earlier this month, Sheetz announced it has been named to this year’s list of 100 Best Companies to Work For by Fortune Media and Great Place to Work.
Sheetz has been named to this prestigious workplace list for the 11th consecutive year, ranking 32nd this year, its highest placement ever. For the ninth straight year, Sheetz stands as the only convenience retailer included on the list. Now in its 29th year, the list recognizes companies that excel in workplace culture and employee satisfaction, underscoring Sheetz’s sustained commitment to its people. “Being recognized on this list for more than a decade is deeply meaningful and reflects the culture our employees have helped build over time,” said Travis Sheetz, president and CEO of Sheetz. “As a family-owned and operated business, our people are at the heart of what we do in the communities we serve. This recognition reinforces our commitment to support our employees, invest in their growth, and ensure they feel valued every day.” This selection follows Sheetz’s recent announcement to hire 1,540 employees company-wide during hiring events at each of its 810 plus locations a few weeks ago (Wawa has more than 1,300 stores and counting).
One feature both convenience chains have is a drive thru, or in Wawa’s case, a Fly Thru. Wawa tested drive thru before, but it took too long for customers to get their orders and it just wasn’t working. Enter, Fly Thru. What’s a Fly Thru? A Fly Thru with Wally the Goose hovering above the pickup window, is a 30 second, pre-order only, pick up (without getting out of the car) option where customers can order anything in the store. Currently there are three Fly Thru locations; two in Pennsylvania and one in New Jersey with more to come. I stopped by the Langhorne, PA location (they also have beer and wine with seating for 30) to see what the fuss was about. Turns out, this store has had both the drive thru and the Fly Thru. Fly Thru is very popular, the general manager told me, especially in the morning. “We think the mobile pickup window is really where the future is,” said Wawa president Brian Schaller during the recent Wawa Day, April 16, celebrating 62 years of the company. More are on the way. Some stores will be retrofitted where possible, and the new stores will have Fly Thru as part of their layout.
Wawa will also expand their travel center prototype that features an 8,000-square-foot store, six high-speed diesel fuel lanes for truckers, 20 fuel spots for passenger vehicles, free parking for tractor-trailers, a CAT weigh station and a pet relief area. Currently there are three of these centers, one each in Ohio, North Carolina and Indiana. CEO Chris Gheysens describes them as “Wawa on steroids.”
And now for some humor from Wawa. This past April Fool’s Day, Wawa posted this on Facebook: “With our ever-expanding footprint, we are making an important change.” Beside that statement was a photo of a Wawa Hoagie wrapped in paper that said…are you ready…Wawa Subs! The comments were hysterically funny but the DELCO fans took offense as Wawa is headquartered in Delaware County where the word sub never appears anywhere unless you are talking about a naval vessel. Good one, Wawa!
The Mid Atlantic Food Trade Organization (MAFTO) is getting ready to give money away! A 501c3 organization whose goal is to foster food industry relations and award college scholarships, each year MAFTO awards college scholarships based on academic success, overall excellence of character, and potential for community contributions and leadership. The MAFTO Scholarships are awarded without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, handicap or sex. The committee is now accepting scholarship applications for 2026. MAFTO has awarded over $682,000 in scholarships since 2005 and looks forward to continuing to help further the education of member families. If you are not a member of MAFTO yet, you can sign up at no annual fee: www.mafto.org
Taking a walk into the sunset are three industry veterans who have spent their entire careers in the food industry. CA Ferolie announced the retirement of three of their long-time executives: Paul McGurkin, vice president perishables; Allan Conte, senior sales development manager; and Bill Mullen, senior sales development manager.
Paul’s 50-year career began with a 10-year stint at Mrs. Paul’s, then to Lehigh Dairy, then Hagerty Sales. In 2004, Paul went to Integrity Sales and finally to CA Ferolie when they purchased Integrity. Paul has been a driving force behind CA Ferolie’s success in the Mid-Atlantic. Under his leadership and guidance, the business achieved significant milestones, strengthening key partnerships with both clients and customers. He and his wife Monica have already begun their next chapter with a trip to Jamaica.
Allan and Bill began their careers with James O. Brown in the late 70’s. They went their separate ways with other brokers but ended up together again at Integrity, and CA Ferolie when Integrity was sold. Allan plans on spending time traveling, volunteering, spending time with grandkids and family and hopes to sharpen up his golf game. Bill plans on spending more time with his kids and siblings and is looking forward to traveling, gardening, and working to shoot my age in golf. Congratulations, gentlemen on a well deserved retirement!
Taking another trip around the sun this beautiful month of April are: David Zallie, Zallie Family Markets; Lou Eni Jr., Dietz & Watson; Ed Herr, Herr Foods; Theresa Lowden, JOH Produce; Ron Benjamin, Affinity Group; and Scott Vicari, retired from Advantage Solutions. Buon compleanno a tutti!
Quote of the month: “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s Party!’” – Robin Williams
