At a Glance
- Lisa Ann Walter visited her first Wawa in July 2024 while in Philadelphia
- She created a sandwich called “The Kelce” honoring Eagles center Jason Kelce
- The 62-year-old actress raved about Wawa’s milkshake quality
- Why it matters: The regional convenience-store chain holds cultural significance for fans of her show Abbott Elementary
Lisa Ann Walter finally stepped inside a Wawa during a 2024 trip to Philadelphia, an experience the Abbott Elementary star now calls unforgettable. Speaking at the 2026 BAFTA Tea Party on Jan. 10, Walter, 62, recounted tasting iconic menu items and even crafting her own hoagie.
Inside Her First Wawa Stop
The Maryland native had long heard the hype about the Delaware-based chain, whose stores stretch across only seven states. While on location in Philadelphia last summer, she walked into a Wawa for the first time and ordered staples that regulars swear by.
“Honest to god, the milkshake? Unbelievable. Unbelievable,” she said, praising the thick drink. “I would have that milkshake over any ice cream shop any day of the week. Fabulous!”
Walter also met Wally, the Canadian goose mascot that greets visitors in promotional materials and community events.
Creating “The Kelce”
During the visit, Walter built a custom hoagie and christened it “The Kelce” after Eagles legend Jason Kelce. She kept the ingredient list mostly secret, joking that the sandwich “has a lot of cold cuts involved.”
Her tribute reflects both her personal football fandom and Abbott Elementary‘s Philadelphia roots. On the hit Hulu comedy, Walter plays Melissa Schemmenti, a proudly Philly-born teacher who cheers for the Eagles every Sunday.
Football Devotion On and Off Camera
Walter merges real-life gridiron passion with her character’s. On Jan. 4, while walking the Critics’ Choice Awards red carpet, she told News Of Losangeles she streamed a game on her phone between interviews.
“Well, it’s Washington, the Commanders, versus the Philadelphia Eagles,” she explained. “They’re both my teams. I grew up in D.C., but because I am a Philly girl now by adoption, I always root for them when they’re doing well.”
Award shows often fall on Sundays, so Walter expects the sideline streaming ritual to continue. She confirmed she planned to catch the NFL’s Wild Card Weekend triple-header that kicked off at 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. ET.
Wawa’s Pop-Culture Pull
Walter’s enthusiasm mirrors the chain’s cult-like status among Mid-Atlantic residents. Limited to Delaware, D.C., Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia, Wawa fuels both daily commutes and regional pride.
For Abbott Elementary fans, the store is practically a character itself. Philadelphia landmarks and traditions pepper the sitcom, and Wawa references surface in multiple episodes.
Key Takeaways
- Walter’s July 2024 Wawa debut included tasting a milkshake she now ranks above specialty ice-cream shops
- She paid homage to Jason Kelce by naming a loaded cold-cut sandwich after him
- The actress watches NFL games during red-carpet events, blending her D.C. upbringing with adopted Philadelphia loyalty
- Her character, Ms. Schemmenti, shares the same local pride showcased in the real-life Wawa visit
