Philadelphia's newest Wawa isn't like any Wawa you've seen before

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - It's no secret that Philadelphians love their Wawa, and Wawa is showing their love back with their new state-of-the-art location, right in the heart of the city.

The new Wawa is the biggest thing to hit Independence Mall since the Liberty Bell. It's also the largest Wawa in existence.

Ahead of Friday's grand opening for the 6th and Chestnut location, the man behind the design of the store says everything about the place is unique.

"We are really going for that coffee house feel," explained Adrian Cortez of Wawa Architecture and Design, "Even down to the seating lounge. This is the first Wawa with leather seating in it"

In the historic Public Leger building you may not even know you are in a Wawa other than it's signature terrazzo floors. The store even features two-story murals in an industrial art-deco style.

There are walls of fresh plants, huge new seating areas, along with their food and coffee you can't get anywhere else.

If you're looking to represent your favorite stop-and-go shop, you can now get Wawa hoodies, t-shirts and travel mugs.

The company says the store, one of more than 800 in six states and Washington D.C. and represents the growth of the company, as well as their love affair with the city of Brotherly Love.

"There is an affinity people have grown up with the brand. Philadelphia is appropriately tough on us, which makes us better. But, they also recognize we are the hometown kid that's grown up here, and when they see us have a little success like this they cheer for us," Wawa CEO Chris Gheysens said.