The first Georgia Wawa store has arrived and it is the vanguard of 26 stores planned there in 10 years or less, writes Melissa Locker for Southern Living.

The convenience store chain that has been referred to by Food & Wine Magazine as a lifestyle is hoping for a little southern hospitality as it makes its first Georgia entry in Bainbridge.

A store opening is planned Thursday, Nov. 14, at 8 AM.

Wawa’s reputation for good food, strong coffee and clean bathrooms will compete with the already-established Buc-ee’s.

Meanwhile, Wawa’s hoagies will go up against Publix, the South’s favorite sub.

“We are thrilled to begin our expansion into Georgia with our first store in Bainbridge,” Nancy Dulaney, director of Store Operations said in a press release. “We can’t wait to host our grand opening and look forward to bringing our unique brand of fresh food, beverages and convenience to Georgia.”

Over the next five to eight years, Wawa plans to open three to five stores a year in Georgia.

Wawa’s most recent visible expansion outside of Pennsylvania was in Kentucky, when construction started on a store near Lousiville. Forty stores are planned for that state.

Read more about the first Georgia Wawa store in Southern Living.