A large crowd gathered early Tuesday morning (August 27) for the grand opening of Sheetz, a new 24/7 convenience store in Michigan.
Located at 33380 Wick Road in Romulus, near Detroit Metro Airport, the store is the first Michigan location for the Pennsylvania-based franchise.
Michigan's First Sheetz Store
Some eager customers, like Mike Jacobs of Van Buren Township, arrived as early as 5:30 a.m., over two hours before the store opened to the public, according to Detroit News.
"I don't know much about Sheetz but I know that they promise they're going to be open 365 24/7. I understand that their food is pretty good. It's right off the expressway. I pass this way all the time. It should be a good thing for the community," said Jacobs, 65.
Many customers were excited about the store's wide variety of offerings. Sheetz is known for its made-to-order fast food, specialty coffee, and various snacks.
The Romulus location features a 24-hour kitchen with a menu that includes breakfast sandwiches, pizza, burritos, and burgers. Customers can order using touch screens and have the option to dine indoors, outdoors, or use the drive-thru service. There's also Sheetz Brothers Coffee, which serves drinks around the clock.
Robert Pawlowski, 19, from Southgate, showed his friends how to navigate the store's ordering system. "I'm a big fan of Sheetz. It's exciting to have one here now," Pawlowski said.
Sheetz Eyes Major Expansion Across Michigan
Sheetz plans to expand further in Michigan. President and CEO Travis Sheetz stated the company aims to open up to 60 new locations in the state over the next five to six years, with several planned for Metro Detroit. The company is also establishing an office in Farmington Hills to support its growth. New stores are planned for Taylor, Warren, Macomb Township, and Eastpointe, Detroit Free Press reported.
Founded in 1952 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Sheetz operates over 740 stores across six states. The company employs more than 26,000 people and is known for its 24/7 operations, making it a popular choice for travelers and locals alike. The new Romulus store continues this tradition, featuring 12 gas pumps for cars and 10 for trucks, catering to the needs of all drivers.
General Manager Jamil Griffith highlighted the convenience and variety Sheetz offers.
"We usually offer free coffee on Christmas - so please do come in on Christmas," Griffith said.
Customers can enjoy a variety of slushy flavors, such as cherry and "ultra raspberry," along with milkshakes in flavors like Oreo and mint chocolate chip. The store also carries an array of beverages, from pop and iced teas to energy drinks, along with pre-packaged salads, sandwiches, and fruit cups for quick meals on the go. A pet relief area is available outside, adding to the convenience of customers traveling with animals.
Despite the excitement, the expansion plans have met some resistance. At public meetings, some neighbors expressed concerns about increased traffic and noise. Existing gas station owners also voiced worries about competition. However, CEO Travis Sheetz remains optimistic.
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