WAWA, Pa. — Wawa, the East Coast convenience store chain with a cult following, is spreading its wings with plans to expand into Ohio and Kentucky in the next few years, the company announced Wednesday.

The Pennsylvania-based company said it plans to launch its first stores in the states of Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky "sometime after 2025," with estimated timeframes and ranges for number of stores by state to be announced in early 2023.

Wawa had previously announced an expansion into Tennessee, and it's currently seeking site suggestions to plant its roots in the midwest.

“At Wawa, growth means strengthening our existing markets as well as expanding to both adjacent and new markets so we can reach new friends and neighbors and welcome them as part of our extended family,” said Chris Gheysens, Wawa’s President and CEO. “These markets are the perfect places for Wawa to expand based on their strong business communities, their family-like atmosphere, and the confidence that our unique offer and amazing associates will be welcomed by these communities.

Wawa brands itself as an "all day, every day stop" offering travelers and locals fresh food, refreshing beverages, fuel and fee-free ATMs. More than 1,000 locations are open across states including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and Florida.

The privately-owned business is one side of the so-called "convenience store war" that persists in Pennsylvania, where fervent fans of Wawa and Sheetz have debated and defended their preference for years.

While exact dates aren't yet known, in just a few years, many living in Kentucky and Ohio will be able to partake in the brand's custom hoagies, freshly-brewed coffee, hand-crafted specialty drinks and expansive dinner menu.