What Happened to Sheetz, Inc.?

Sheetz, Inc. began its journey in 1952 when G. Robert "Bob" Sheetz purchased one of his father's dairy stores in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The company's early growth was steady, with Bob's brother Steve joining in 1961 and becoming general manager in 1969. A pivotal moment came in 1973 when Sheetz began selling gasoline, and in 1986, it revolutionized the convenience store experience by introducing its now-famous Made-To-Order (MTO) food concept, allowing customers to customize meals via touch-screen ordering.

Under the leadership of Steve Sheetz, who became president in 1983, the company expanded beyond Pennsylvania, opening its first store in Maryland in 1976 and growing to 100 stores by 1983. His nephew, Stan Sheetz, took over as president in 1995, continuing the company's focus on food service and operational efficiency. In January 2022, Travis Sheetz, another family member, was promoted to President and CEO, continuing the family's long-standing involvement in the company's leadership.

In recent years, Sheetz has embarked on an aggressive expansion strategy, particularly in the Midwest. After establishing a strong presence in Ohio, the company entered Michigan in 2024, breaking ground on its first store near Detroit in March and opening it in August of the same year. This expansion is set to accelerate, with plans to open 14 new stores across southeast Michigan in 2026 as part of a half-billion-dollar investment in the state. Furthermore, Sheetz announced in April 2026 its official entry into Indiana, with plans to build 100 stores over the next 10 years, investing nearly $1 billion and creating over 3,000 jobs.

To support this rapid growth, Sheetz is investing heavily in infrastructure. A new $169 million food preparation and distribution center in Findlay, Ohio, which broke ground in October 2024, is on track to open in Fall 2026. This facility is crucial for supporting the company's expanding operations across Ohio and its Michigan ambitions. The company also announced plans in March 2026 to hire 1,540 employees company-wide, including 500 in Pennsylvania, to staff its growing number of locations.

However, Sheetz has also faced challenges. In April 2024, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against Sheetz, alleging that its hiring practices, which screened applicants for criminal convictions, disproportionately impacted Black, Native American, and multiracial individuals. Despite this legal challenge, Sheetz continues to focus on its growth, technological integration (including EV charging stations and loyalty platforms), and its core offering of customizable, fresh food available 24/7. As of April 2026, Sheetz operates 829 stores across seven states, with Pennsylvania having the highest concentration.