Wawa debuts 'Gritty Smoothie' in Philadelphia‑area stores as Flyers' playoff run continues

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Wawa has teamed up with Gritty, the Philadelphia Flyers' mascot, to launch a limited-edition "Gritty Smoothie" now available at more than 400 stores across the Philadelphia region.

The drink - a fruit blend featuring mango, pineapple and tart cherry, topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips - comes in a special cup designed to resemble Gritty's bright orange fur and signature googly eyes.

The collaboration grew out of a playful pitch from Gritty to Wally Goose, Wawa's mascot, as the city gears up for its home team's playoff run. The company released images and videos of the mascots' mock boardroom meeting and smoothie development session.

"This partnership was all about having fun, celebrating local pride, and giving our customers something that feels uniquely Philadelphia," Doug Martin, Wawa's chief marketing officer, said in a statement. "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."

Gritty, known for his offbeat humor, said he couldn't pass up the chance to collaborate.

"I've been a lil choosy on who I meet with during the playoffs, but when Wally the Wawa Goose calls, you answer," he said. "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."

Customers can order the drink in stores through Wawa's touchscreen system or via the Wawa app for pickup, curbside service or delivery.