One of the fastest-growing family-run convenience store and gas station chains in the US, which employs over 25,000 people, has its sights set on Michigan for its next big expansion. Michigan doesn't have any Sheetz stores, but that's all set to change.
The chain, known for its popularity, is gearing up to open its first store in the state this year, with construction starting this week.
Sheetz's Michigan Debut: Groundbreaking Plans
According to WDIV, this Thursday, March 14, Sheetz will start construction on its future new spot at 33380 Wick Road in Romulus. This marks the first time the convenience store chain will set foot in Michigan, with doors expected to open in late 2024.
But that's not all - a second store is also on the horizon in Chesterfield Township, right on 23 Mile Road.
Sheetz isn't stopping there. The company has big dreams for Detroit, planning to launch 50 to 60 stores in the area over the next five or six years. The exact locations of these new stores are still under wraps.
Currently, Sheetz operates over 710 stores across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, and North Carolina, and soon, Michigan will join the list.
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Sheetz Fans Show Unmatched Loyalty: Meet the Sheetz Freaks
People love Sheetz to the point where they've even got their nickname - Sheetz Freaks.
Devoted fans even create pages to share their admiration and stories about the brand, frequently mentioning their top store locations and specific store numbers. Now, that's what you call dedication.
According to satisfied customers, Sheetz stores are setting a high standard for gas stations everywhere. One reviewer on Yelp praised Sheetz for its freshly made food, cleanliness, and convenience, saying, "I love this place!"
Another testament to Sheetz's exceptional service came from a customer named Jason Closson, who shared his experience on the chain's Facebook page. He found himself stranded at a Sheetz with other drivers during a series of storms in late April.
An employee started giving out free sandwiches to those seeking shelter. "It's not often that you hear about a store doing something like this," Closson said. He expressed his deep appreciation for the kindness shown by Sheetz employees, stating that this gesture made Sheetz even more special to him.
About Sheetz
In 1952, Bob Sheetz started Sheetz, Inc. by buying one of his father's dairy stores in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The expansion began with the opening a second store in 1963, named "Sheetz Kwik Shopper."
By 1969, with Steve Sheetz as general manager, the brothers set a goal for gradual expansion. They exceeded their target, doubling their store count from seven to fourteen by 1972. In 1973, Sheetz made a significant move by introducing self-serve gasoline in Central Pennsylvania.
The company reached 100 stores by 1983, and upon Bob's retirement in 1984, Steve took over. Leadership passed to Bob's son, Stan Sheetz, in 1995, with Steve as Chairman of the Board. Today, Sheetz is a testament to the Sheetz family's successful business model, with five family members guiding the company's executive decisions.
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