Large lines at Independence Mall for Wawa Hoagie Day

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- It's Wawa Hoagie Day and the growing lines for a free hoagie started in the early morning hours early.

Still many stood on Independence Mall undaunted ready for the deliciousness that awaited them.

When you build five tons worth of hoagies, you have to get a move on.

So a crew comprised of 150 Wawa associates was in the basement of the National Constitution Center before the sun came up.

They took 10,000 pounds of ingredients and neatly assembled them into piles.

Chef Robert Irvine from the TV show Restaurant Impossible joined in on the fun and was presented a $25,000 check from Wawa for his foundation that supports military personnel.

First 5,000 hoagies went to Philabundance, 1,000 more went to area veteran centers.

The rest - that means 15,000 hoagies - are being served up on Independence Mall.

Turns out there is such a thing as a free lunch.