Sheetz convenience-store chain wants to open in East Lansing

Sheetz opened its first store in Michigan in Romulus (pictured here at its grand opening) last year. It wants to expand to East Lansing. – Sheetz

The family-owned business has expansion plans across Michigan

Sheetz, a family-owned chain of more than 700 convenience stores in seven states, is looking to expand to the Lansing-area market.

The East Lansing Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing on Sheetz’ proposal to build a 6,139-square-foot store, including a drive-through restaurant and eight gas pumps, at 111 E. Saginaw St., near Abbot Road.

Sheetz moved into Michigan last year, largely in southeast Michigan so far. Its plans call for 50 to 60 stores in the state.

“Michigan is the first new state for Sheetz in two decades,” Travis Sheetz, president and CEO, said last summer. “We look forward to creating great jobs, providing total customer focus for our community members, and being a good neighbor that is actively involved in every neighborhood our stores will serve.”

Travis Sheetz is a nephew of Bob Sheetz, who founded the company in Altoona, Pennsylvania, in 1952.

Sheetz employs more than 20,000 workers in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland and Michigan, with all locations open 24/7, 365. Its stores typically employ 30 people.

Its restaurants feature custom-made burgers, hot dogs, pizzas, and chicken sandwiches, alongside breakfast items like French toast sticks, and various fried snacks such as mozzarella sticks and mac and cheese wedges.

The public hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center.