50 Facts About Sheetz

The Origins of Sheetz

Sheetz has a rich history that dates back to the early 1950s. Let’s dive into how this convenience store giant began its journey.

1. Founding: Sheetz was founded in 1952 by G. Robert “Bob” Sheetz when he bought one of his father’s dairy stores in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
2. Early Years: Initially, the store sold milk and ice cream, and Bob worked as a short-order cook in the deli.
3. Expansion: In 1961, Bob hired his brother Steve to work part-time, marking the beginning of the Sheetz family’s involvement in the business.
4. Second Store: The second store, named Sheetz Kwik Shopper, opened in 1963. A third store followed in 1968.
5. Brotherly Partnership: In 1969, Steve became the general manager, and the brothers planned to expand at the rate of one store per year with a target of seven stores by 1972.

Growth and Innovation

Sheetz didn’t just stop at opening stores. They constantly innovated and expanded their services to stay ahead in the convenience store industry.

6. Gasoline Sales: By 1972, Sheetz had expanded to 14 stores and began selling gasoline, introducing the first self-serve gas pumps in central Pennsylvania.
7. National Expansion: The first Sheetz store outside Pennsylvania opened in Maryland in 1976.
8. Distribution Center: In September 2001, Sheetz opened a distribution center in Claysburg, Pennsylvania, to streamline operations and improve logistics.
9. PayPass Introduction: In December 2004, Sheetz began offering MasterCard PayPass with RFID technology, one of the first retailers to do so, ahead of major competitors like McDonald’s and 7-Eleven.
10. E85 Fuel: Sheetz became Pennsylvania’s second retail chain to offer E85 ethanol-based fuel alternatives at select stations on July 10, 2006.

Food and Beverage Innovations

Sheetz is known for its unique approach to food and beverages, setting it apart from other convenience stores.

11. Commissary: Sheetz opened its first commissary, Sheetz Bros. Kitchen, in 2008 to produce fresh sandwiches and bakery products sold at Sheetz locations.
12. National Attention: In 2011, Sheetz gained national attention as a major sponsor for Morgan Spurlock’s film, further increasing its visibility.
13. Leadership Transition: Stan Sheetz became chairman of the board in October 2013, with his cousin Joseph S. “Joe” Sheetz becoming president and CEO.
14. Historical Book: Published in November 2013, Kenneth Womack’s “Made to Order: The Sheetz Story” traces the company’s history from its dairy-store origins through the present day.
15. Distribution Center Expansion: In 2014, Sheetz opened its second distribution center and kitchen facility in Burlington, North Carolina.

Financial Milestones

Sheetz has achieved significant financial milestones over the years, showcasing its growth and stability.

16. Sales Figures: Sales for fiscal year 2018-2019 totaled $7.5 billion, demonstrating the company’s significant growth and financial stability.
17. IT Tech Center: In 2019, Sheetz opened an IT tech center in Pittsburgh’s Bakery Square complex, serving as a secondary headquarters for the company. The space was later expanded in 2023.
18. 600th Store: On December 19, 2019, Sheetz celebrated the opening of its 600th store in Shaler Township, PA, marking a major milestone in the company’s history.

Made-to-Order (MTO) Line

One of Sheetz’s most popular innovations is its Made-to-Order (MTO) line, which revolutionized how customers order food.

19. MTO Introduction: In 1986, Earl Springer, the manager of a Sheetz in Williamsport, Maryland, introduced the Made-to-Order (MTO) line to boost lagging sales. This concept allowed customers to customize their sandwiches by filling out a small slip of paper with their desired ingredients and quantities.
20. Menu Expansion: The MTO line initially included submarine sandwiches but quickly expanded to include nachos, hot dogs, burgers, tacos, and wraps. By the 1990s, MTO had become a sales leader for Sheetz.

Store Design and Customer Experience

Sheetz stores are designed to offer a unique and convenient shopping experience for customers.

21. Convenience Store Model: Sheetz stores are designed to be one-stop solutions for customers, offering a wide range of products including gasoline, food, beverages, and miscellaneous grocery items.
22. Touchscreen Ordering: Most Sheetz stores use touchscreen computer ordering systems to allow customers to build their own sandwiches and order other food items prepared in the store’s open kitchen 24 hours a day.
23. Fresh Food: The chain is known for its fresh food, including made-to-order coffee with its own specialty blend. Sheetz stores also offer a variety of salads and breakfast sandwiches.
24. Store Size: Sheetz stores are larger than most convenience stores, averaging around 4,200 square feet. Newer units are around 4,700 square feet and include 16 to 20 gasoline-fueling stations.
25. Convenience Restaurants: Sheetz operates a pair of “convenience restaurants” more than 10,000 square feet in size, offering an expanded menu and seating.

Family Ownership and Leadership

Sheetz remains a family-owned business, with multiple generations of the Sheetz family involved in its operations.

26. Family Ownership: Sheetz is a family-owned company, with half a dozen members of the Sheetz family filling top executive posts. The company is governed by an Executive Family Leadership Council of 11 Sheetzes spanning three generations.
27. Regional Dominance: Sheetz is the dominant convenience store chain in much of Pennsylvania, holding a virtual monopoly in its native Altoona and a commanding share of the Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Wyoming Valley markets.
28. Competitive Landscape: Despite its regional dominance, Sheetz is noticeably absent from Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley due to the presence of competitor Wawa. This has led to a fierce “rivalry” between the two chains among Pennsylvanians, though the two companies have a friendly relationship.

Technological Advancements

Sheetz has always been at the forefront of technology integration in the convenience store industry.

29. Innovative Approach: Sheetz has always been an innovator in the convenience store trade. It was one of the first retailers to introduce self-service coffee in 1975 and began experimenting with staying open 24 hours a day, another growing concept at the time.
30. Marketing Strategies: To keep up foot traffic, Sheetz has historically sold cigarettes at low prices. In the early ’90s, it even sold its own cigarette brand, Jacks, at $1 a pack, which was cheaper than the average cigarette price at the time.
31. Menu Diversity: Sheetz offers a diverse menu that includes nachos, hot dogs, burgers, tacos, wraps, and salads. The MTO program allows customers to customize their orders with various ingredients and quantities.
32. Food Quality: Despite being a convenience store, Sheetz emphasizes quality in its food offerings. The company invests heavily in maintaining high standards of food preparation and presentation.
33. Customer Experience: Sheetz stores are designed to provide a clean and welcoming environment for customers. The chain is known for its clean bathrooms and friendly staff, making it a popular stop for travelers and locals alike.
34. Community Involvement: Sheetz has always been committed to being a good neighbor in the communities it serves. The company supports local events and initiatives, further enhancing its reputation as a community-focused business.

Employee and Community Focus

Sheetz values its employees and the communities it serves, making it a beloved brand.

35. Employee Base: Sheetz employs over 21,000 people across its locations, making it one of the largest employers in the regions where it operates.
36. Store Locations: Sheetz operates more than 750 company-owned stores located in Central and Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, and Michigan.
37. Gas Station Operations: Most Sheetz stores include a gas station, with newer units featuring 16 to 20 fueling stations. The chain also offers E85 ethanol-based fuel alternatives at select stations.
38. Technology Integration: Sheetz has been at the forefront of technology integration in the convenience store industry. It was one of the first retailers to accept PayPass with RFID technology and has continued to innovate with mobile payment options and digital menu boards.
39. Mobile App: The Sheetz app is a key tool for customers, allowing them to order food and snacks, earn rewards, and skip lines with mobile pickup. The app also offers exclusive promotions and discounts.
40. Rewards Program: Customers can earn 5 Spendable Pointz for every dollar spent on qualifying in-store and online purchases. These points can be redeemed for free food and snacks, making the rewards program a popular feature among customers.
41. Delivery Services: Sheetz offers delivery services through its app, allowing customers to order their favorite menu items and have them delivered right to their doorstep.
42. Promotions: Sheetz frequently runs promotions that offer extra cents off gas. These promotions are advertised through the app and in-store signage, encouraging customers to visit their local Sheetz store.
43. Food Quality Control: To maintain high food quality, Sheetz stores have open kitchens where food is prepared fresh 24 hours a day. This approach ensures that customers receive their orders quickly and with the highest standards of quality.
44. Menu Innovation: Sheetz continuously innovates its menu offerings. Recent additions include brick-oven pizza and subs, paninis, handcarved sandwiches, and a new line of salads.
45. Convenience Restaurants: The first Sheetz convenience restaurant opened in Altoona in early 2004, marking a significant milestone in the company’s history. These restaurants offer an expanded menu and seating, providing a more comfortable dining experience for customers.
46. Store Design: Newer Sheetz stores are designed to be larger and more modern, featuring digital menu boards, wireless Internet access, large-screen televisions, and DVDs that can be rented through a vending machine.
47. Sustainability Efforts: Sheetz has made efforts to reduce its environmental impact. The company offers E85 ethanol-based fuel alternatives at select stations, which is a more sustainable option compared to traditional gasoline.
48. Community Support: Sheetz actively supports local communities through various initiatives. The company participates in charity events and donates to local causes, further enhancing its reputation as a community-focused business.
49. Employee Benefits: Sheetz offers competitive employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for career advancement. The company prioritizes employee well-being and satisfaction, which contributes to its high employee retention rates.
50. Future Plans: Under the leadership of Travis Sheetz, who became the current President & CEO in 2022, the company continues to expand its footprint and innovate its services. Sheetz remains committed to its core values of convenience, quality, and affordability, ensuring that it remains a beloved brand in the convenience store industry.

Sheetz: A Legacy of Innovation and Community

Sheetz has grown from a small dairy store in Altoona, Pennsylvania, to a powerhouse in the convenience store industry. With over 750 locations, Sheetz stands out for its innovative approach, from introducing self-serve gas pumps to offering fresh, made-to-order food. The company’s commitment to quality and customer experience is evident in its clean stores, friendly staff, and diverse menu options. Sheetz’s family ownership ensures a strong sense of community and dedication to employee well-being. With a focus on technology integration and sustainability, Sheetz continues to set the bar high. Under the leadership of Travis Sheetz, the company is poised for even greater success. Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack, filling up your tank, or enjoying a made-to-order meal, Sheetz remains a beloved brand that delivers convenience, quality, and innovation.