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When it comes to America’s favorite convenience store, Wawa is the preferred place to fill up cars and cups.

In the American Customer Satisfaction Index’s first c-store study, the Philadelphia-based chain came out on top, beating Murphy USA, QuikTrip, Speedway and others.

Conducted over a seven-month period ending in September, chains received scores from zero to 100 on metrics including store hours, locations, coffee freshness, food quality, wait times, mobile app usability, loyalty programs and speed of checkout.

After noting the list’s most popular brands “have prioritized serving up a robust set of food options,” ACSI called out Wawa’s hoagies as a “big draw” for customers.

Wawa received 82 out of 100 in the ranking. The c-store boasts a menu that also includes pizza, quesadillas, smoothies, shakes, baked goods and fresh fruit.

“Convenience stores are no longer just a quick stop for gas and snacks – they are becoming serious competitors in the food service industry,” Forrest Morgeson, associate professor of marketing at Michigan State University and director of research emeritus at ACSI, said in a statement.

“The top-performing convenience store brands are now on par with fast food chains in terms of food quality and variety, offering customers a wide range of fresh, gourmet options. By focusing on the in-store dining experience, while maintaining the speedy service that customers have grown accustomed to, convenience stores may have found the perfect recipe for success,” he said.

These are the ACSI’s top 10 scoring c-store chains:

• Wawa – 82 points
• QuikTrip – 81 points
• Buc-ee’s – 80 points
• Murphy USA – 80 points
• Casey’s General Stores – 79 points
• Sheetz – 79 points
• Kwik Trip – 78 points
• BP – 77 points
• Cumberland Farms – 77 points
• Speedway – 77 points

New openings in Central Jersey

The recognition comes as Wawa prepares to open its newest convenience stores in Central Jersey.

The chain is set to begin welcoming customers Oct. 4 in West Windsor (3449 Brunswick Pike) and Oct. 10 in Piscataway (451 Stelton Road).

As part of the grand opening celebration, Wawa will offer free any-size coffee all day, as well as a limited-edition “In My Wawa Era 60th Anniversary” T-shirt giveaway to the first 100 guests.

Festivities will begin at 8:30 a.m. in West Windsor and at 7:45 a.m. in Piscataway. The morning will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Wawa’s mascot, Wally Goose. It will also feature a hoagie-building competition among local first responders.

According to Wawa, the new locations each have built-to-order fresh food kitchens featuring the brand’s signature hoagies, latest food innovations, coffee, baked goods and specialty beverages. The stores both offer mobile ordering, curbside pickup and delivery. Additionally, the two outposts will provide packaged goods, fuel services and catering.

Commenting on the upcoming launches, Wawa CEO Chris Gheysens said, “Since our first store opened its doors 60 years ago, it’s been an honor serving our communities with trusted quality products and convenience to most importantly offering comfort and camaraderie to local friends and neighbors. We pride ourselves on brightening days and as we continue to grow, we promise to continue Fulfilling Lives at every new store and look forward to serving the community for many more years to come!”

With a goal to add 1,800 stores nationwide by 2030, Wawa is busy opening more than 70 new locations this year — including its first sites in Alabama, North Carolina and Georgia.