WHEN A friend asked me to have lunch at Wawa a few years ago, I promptly responded, "Sorry, I don't eat at gas stations."

Now, a decade after Wawa brought its convenience stores to the Fredericksburg region, it has become a 'go-to' spot for those needing to fill their tanks--and their tummies.

Today, Wawa is offering free coffee at most of its area locations to mark the anniversary.

While the Pennsylvania-based chain has become a regular gasoline and caffeine fueling stop for many morning commuters, its more significant achievement may be in taking gas-station cuisine beyond the hot dog shriveled from hours under a UV lamp to something more akin to a local deli or cafe.

Wawa (as well as Sheetz and a few others) offers a broad selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner options, both hot and cold. Want a light bite on your way to work? You can grab fresh rye bread, toasted, with a smear of butter. Need a little more to get your day going? There are breakfast bowl variations with your desired combination of eggs, meat and cheese.

For lunch or dinner, there are a variety of salads, soups wraps and sandwiches, along with fresh fruit and sides that range from meatballs to mashed potatoes.

One of my favorites is the roast beef sandwich with avocado and a smidge of honey mustard on an Italian ciabatta roll. Wawa has also upgraded its computer-ordering system over the years, tweaking it to make it more user-friendly.

So as Wawa celebrates its "Wawaversary" at 53 of its stores along the East Coast--marking 10 to 45 years in business at various locations--I'll acknowledge that it has played a major role in changing my concept of "gas-station food." I mean, c'mon, where else can you fill your tank, get a pack of gum and a made-to-order lunch all in about 10 minutes?

Elizabeth Pezzullo is The Free Lance-Star's Food editor. Email her at epezzullo@freelancestar .com.