LA PLATA, Md. — A new Dash In convenience store and kitchen has opened in La Plata and will celebrate with a two-day grand opening event April 9–10, where the community is invited to enjoy samples, giveaways and explore the new space.
Located at 6670 Crain Highway, the new store blends convenience retail with fresh, made-to-order offerings, marking another expansion for La Plata-based Wills Group, which operates Dash In and Splash In locations across the Mid-Atlantic.
The BayNet was given a personal tour of the facility by Wills Group Chairman, President and CEO Julian B. “Blackie” Wills III, who emphasized the company’s focus on quality, innovation and meeting the needs of the local community. “At the end of the day, we want this to be a place people enjoy coming to,” Wills said. “It’s about creating something that fits the community.”
The tour also highlighted ongoing efforts to tailor menu offerings to the community, with Wills emphasizing a focus on listening to customers and continuing to refine offerings over time. That approach carries throughout the store’s design and offerings.
A key feature of the store’s design is the tap wall, which gives customers more control over their drinks. It offers a selection of tea, coffee, juice and more, along with options to customize with fresh lemons, cherries and other add-ins. The feature is only available at a few locations, including Indian Head and Chantilly, Va. “We want people to be able to make it their own,” Wills said. “It’s about giving customers options and a better everyday experience.”
The setup allows for a more creative and personalized experience, with select offerings featuring organic craft beverages from Tractor Beverage Co. It also gives customers a fresh way to stop in and make the experience their own, even with another Dash In nearby.
A smoothie station and in-house, 24-hour kitchen further highlight the store’s emphasis on freshness. Made-to-order items are prepared throughout the day, while fresh-to-go items are prepared daily and rotated frequently to ensure quality. “Fresh really matters to us,” Wills said. “We want people to know what they’re getting here is made right and made with care.” Morning prep of vegetables helps keep wait times short while maintaining freshness in each order. Store design also plays a role, with lower shelving intentionally installed so customers can see across the entire store, creating a more open, welcoming layout.
Community Invited To Two-Day Grand Opening April 9–10
The community is invited to stop in, explore the new space and enjoy tastings, giveaways and interactive experiences during Dash In’s two-day grand opening celebration.
- Thursday, April 9 (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.): A kickoff featuring a DJ, food samples and giveaways, offering a chance to explore the store and try menu items.
- Friday, April 10 (beginning at 9 a.m.): The main celebration will include food sampling, a visit from the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs at 12:45 p.m. with a mascot, emcee and player, a performance by the La Plata High School band, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1:15 p.m.
Learn more by following the event on Facebook.
Wills Group, which operates Dash In and Splash In locations across the Mid-Atlantic, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026. The company reported more than $1 million in philanthropic giving in 2024 through its Community Engagement Program, supporting food security initiatives, environmental projects and local nonprofit partnerships.
Dash In operates more than 55 locations across Maryland, Virginia and Delaware, with continued growth planned.
Learn More:
Celebrating 100 Years of Wills Group | Dash In Blog | 2024 Community Engagement Report
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