Royal Farms is continuing its expansion into the Philadelphia region with the development of a new convenience store in Collegeville, writes Natalie Kostelni for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

The 200-plus store retailer best known for its fried chicken, first entered the area five years ago and now operates almost a dozen stores in the region.

Its array of services includes food and gas, which makes it a direct competitor to Wawa.

The chain received approval to develop the store on Route 29 across from the Perkiomen Bridge Hotel from Collegeville officials on October 2.

The 5,200-square-foot location will be built by Moreland Development, which has already developed five of the region’s Royal Farms.

The project will include extensive roadwork close to Route 29 across 2nd Avenue to ease a dogleg that has been causing congestion in the area.

Royal Farm focuses on similar sites that would also be of interest to Wawa, such as corner parcels between 1.5 and 2.5 acres that are heavily traveled. The parcel in Collegeville fits all of the criteria.

A typical Royal Farm store is around 5,000 square feet. It has gas pumps and both indoor and outdoor seating areas.

Read more about Royal Farms at the Philadelphia Business Journal by clicking here.