Wawa Launches Gritty Smoothie for Flyers Playoff Season

Wawa has teamed up with the Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty to roll out a limited-edition "Gritty Smoothie" at more than 400 stores in the Philadelphia area and surrounding regions. It will be offered through June.

The promotion aligns with the Flyers' playoff run and the team's hunt for the coveted Stanley Cup.

The fruit blend features mango, pineapple, and tart cherry, topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips, served in a cup designed to resemble Gritty's orange fur and googly eyes.

According to a CBS News Philadelphia report, Wawa released a video Monday showing Gritty pitch Wally Goose, the Wawa mascot, on the fruit smoothie idea. The Flyers mascot made him an offer he couldn't turn down.

"I've been a lil' choosy on who I meet with during the playoffs, but when Wally the Wawa Goose calls, you answer," Gritty said in a news release. "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-ounce cup? Impossible? Wrong. We did it. We made a smoothie. WE MADE A GRITTY SMOOTHIE. You're welcome."

The new Gritty Smoothie is available for order at touchscreens in stores or through the Wawa app for store pickup, curbside service, and delivery.

As the new drink was unveiled on Monday, May 4, Doug Martin, Wawa's chief marketing officer, said that the company was excited to partner with the Philadelphia Flyers and Gritty to cheer on the Flyers as they faced the Carolina Hurricanes in the second game of the second round of the playoffs. 

The Flyers, unfortunately, lost 3-2 in overtime to the Hurricanes. The series moves to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Thursday, May 7.