Wawa coming to Richmond Highway? Permits seem to indicate so

The popular convenience store chain Wawa has applied for multiple construction permits to renovate the former Rite Aid store at 6711 Richmond Highway (see map).

An email requesting more information sent to Wawa on Friday was not immediately returned. But the permits, filed earlier this week and available on Fairfax County’s website, indicate Wawa plans to update the building’s facade and make structural and other improvements to the existing building as part of the project.

An initial zoning review has already been approved by the county, according to the permits. It does not appear Wawa has applied to put gas pumps at the site; a special exception requiring approval from the Board of Supervisors would be needed for that.

Wawa has more than 630 locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, D.C. and Florida. There are four Wawas in D.C. and three in Prince William County, but this would be the first Wawa in Fairfax County.

Wawa has developed a loyal fanbase, particularly for its variety of food and coffee options. In the past year the chain has aggressively expanded in the D.C. market, with new locations in Tenleytown and Columbia Heights opening earlier this year and another in Northwest scheduled to open later this fall.

The Rite Aid closed in June 2018 and the building has been vacant since. The 11,180 square foot building was constructed in 1997, replacing the legendary Dixie Pig restaurant, which was located at the corner of Beacon Hill Road and Route 1 for decades. The Dixie Pig closed in 1996.