We’re having a lively discussion on the DCist staff email list today thanks to this fantastic piece penned by the always compelling Hank Stuever of the Washington Post’s Style section. Are you a Wawa or a Sheetz person? The subhead says it all: “Both So Awesome, but You Must Choose.”
Here’s how we’re coming down so far in the regional convenience store divide:
Music Editor Amanda Mattos: “I think they’re both pretty equal. I’ve spent a lot of time at both. Sheetz probably has the upper hand as far as hot sandwiches go. Wawa has EXCELLENT coffee. Surprisingly excellent.”
Food & Drink Editor Jamie Liu: “Never been to a Sheetz, but I love the electronic ordering for sandwiches at Wawa, make your own milkshake, and stuffed pretzels. But then growing up in the area, there was also Royal Farms and their chicken box.”
Theater critic Missy Frederick: “Wawa. Sheets at the Breezewood interchange has the most disgusting bathrooms ever. Wawa, meanwhile, has free ATMs and general awesomeness.”
Tech Chief Tom Lee: “I will reluctantly come down on the side of Wawa, even though their sandwiches kind of suck and they don’t carry any carbonated water. Three reasons: 1. Sheetz’s buffalo chicken sandwich is probably the most disgusting thing I have ever eaten. I was ravenously hungry but had to stop after two bites. Unbelievably bad. 2. In college Sheetz would maliciously sell me packs of Jacks cigarettes, which only cost like $1.25 but which tended to suddenly dissolve in showers of burning tobacco while I was driving. 3. At least in Philly, Wawa ATMs don’t charge a fee. For anyone. It’s AMAZING.”
Weekend & Sports Editor Aaron Morrissey: “I hate them both, without apology. And I went to high school surrounded by Wawas. Both are disgusting in so many different ways, and anyone who tells you otherwise is probably just blinded by regional favoritism and/or some sort of attachment to terrible sandwiches. I will concede that the free Wawa ATMs are a nice thing in a pinch — but really, it’s nothing more than slathering a burnt cake in gobs of icing.”
What say you, commentariat? Where do you prefer to buy your road trip soft drinks and Combos?
