I thought I knew just about everything there was to know about Wawa, but one thing has perplexed me lately.

As a lifelong resident of New Jersey, I've grown up with Wawa. You probably have, too.

I've been there since the days when you could buy a pound of cheese or a half-pound of ham after you told a human what you wanted on your hoagie.

Old Wawa store in Egg Harbor Township NJ that closed in 2017 - Photo: Chris Coleman
Old Wawa store in Egg Harbor Township NJ that closed in 2017 - Photo: Chris Coleman
loading...

These days, I can speed-order a hoagie on the touchscreen as if it were an Olympic sport (hey Wawa, why don't you have a speed-ordering competition? Could you imagine the prestige one would have if they held the Guinness record for fastest Wawa hoagie ordering?).

As for Wawa coffee, not only can I make a cup exactly how I like it without having to taste test it half a dozen times, but I also know when all of the seasonal flavors come out and when the holiday cups start to appear.

A tray of Wawa coffee
A tray of Wawa coffee (Dan Alexander, Townsquare Media NJ)
loading...

I am a self-proclaimed Wawa guru.

Until a few weeks ago, that is.

While waiting for my food one night, I was looking around and started wondering exactly what that brick-like thing was on the counter between the Wawa workers handing you your food and the public side of the store. Have you seen it?

What's this mystery object at Wawa? - Photo: Chris Coleman
What's this mystery object at Wawa? - Photo: Chris Coleman
loading...

I know, it's not very "brick-like" — I suppose it's more "log-like" but I didn't want to call it that.

Sometimes it's a corporate-looking device while other stores seem to put their spin on it and decorate it differently.

What's this mystery object at Wawa? - Photo: Chris Coleman
What's this mystery object at Wawa? - Photo: Chris Coleman
loading...

I'm assuming it's a way of preventing people from reaching in and easily grabbing food that isn't theirs? But if that's the case, you can still do that because the opening in the plexiglass barrier is much bigger than "the Wawa brick."

And does that thing have a real name?

I am truly at a loss as to what real purpose this thing has, but every Wawa seems to have one. I've never seen a Wawa without a "log" standing between me and my hoagie.

So what, exactly, does it do? If you know, please drop a comment on our social media page because I honestly have no idea.

Wawa Workers Reveal the Weirdest Orders They've Ever Made

With a zillion different options available at the ordering kiosk, you're bound to get some rather unique combinations of food.

Gallery Credit: Chris Coleman

NJ Wawa fans offer 15 suggestions to make their stores better

Gallery Credit: Chris Coleman