Wawa Unveils ‘Gritty Smoothie

Wawa has entered a new partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL) Philadeplia Flyers mascot Gritty. Along with Wawa's Wally Goose mascot, the two "teamed up to help ignite the excitement in Philadelphia" with the release of a limited-edition "Gritty Smoothie" at Wawa Philadelphia area stores, just in time for the Flyers Stanley Cup playoff run.

Wawa said the smoothie is now available at more than 400 stores throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding regions. The orange-colored smoothie features mango, pineapple and tart cherry flavors, and is topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips in a Gritty-themed cup.

"This partnership was all about having fun, celebrating local pride and giving our customers something that feels uniquely Philadelphia," said Doug Martin, Wawa chief marketing officer. "Gritty's pitch to Wally couldn't have come at a better time as Philadelphia cheers on its home team in postseason. You can feel the excitement everywhere in and around the city and we know Gritty's smoothie is sure to be a winning recipe among all fans!"

"I've been a lil choosy on who I meet with during the playoffs, but when Wally the Wawa Goose calls, you answer," said Gritty. "Like most Philadelphians, I'm rough around the edges, everyone knows it. But on the inside, I'm smooth (and doughy). What if there was a way to harness my smooth side and put it in a 24 oz cup? Impossible? Wrong. We did it. We made a smoothie."

In other recent Wawa news, the retailer is continuing its Pennsylvania expansion plan. The company has begun progress on building 40 more stores in the state over the next couple of years.

Creating an effective character can result in marketing magic for a retailer that reaches beyond the otherwise dull-sounding "corporate mascot." Read more about how an effective mascot can dress up a company's brand and create connection with customers in the November 2025 NACS Magazine story "Building Character."