The crew at the Wawa gasoline and convenience store at White Marsh sure know how to party.

And they earned the right to cut loose after being recognized on Jan. 24 with a party in their honor tossed by the Pennsylvania-based chain. Store manager Mark Shafer said that the local store placed number three among 600 Wawa stores for sales of specialty beverages from Oct. 15-Dec. 4.

During this period, Shafer said, all Wawa stores promoted the full-service specialty beverages, including cappuccinos, lattes, chai tea lattes and hot chocolate, and offered discounts.

Shafer said he learned a lot about his customers based on the drink sales during that time. For example, 80 percent of customers requested whipped cream on their drinks, and caramel was the most requested flavor.

In all, Wawa offers 23 varieties of specialty beverages, with espresso beans ground fresh for every beverage and the hot chocolate made with milk and chocolate chips, Shafer said. He added that the White Marsh store has expanded its deli offerings, with a pulled pork sandwich now an oft-requested item.

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