As Sheetz, the Pennsylvania-based convenience store giant, forges its path into the Michigan market, delays and retractions have mingled with announcements of new locales. The family-owned chain known for its grab-and-go dining and fueling services is setting its sights on Romulus and Chesterfield Township with new stores, the Free Press reported. This expansion plan follows Sheetz's broader intention to open multiple locations throughout the Wolverine State.
While Sheetz fans anticipate the chain's mélange of Made-to-Order eats and competitive coffee, not every community is ready to welcome the new player. Previously discussed plans for Rochester Hills have hit a wall over site design issues. "Sheetz has taken a step back to address site design issues with its proposed location in Rochester Hills and hopes to move forward with this project at a later date," said Sheetz spokesman Nick Ruffner, The Oakland Press reported. Roediger mentioned one letter of complaint but hinted that troubles in other communities may have swayed Sheetz's decision.
Notwithstanding the setbacks, Sheetz's strategy includes a total of three locations in the metro Detroit area, including a confirmed site at Middlebelt Road north of I-94 in Romulus. The two additional sites will be revealed in due course. According to the Metro Times, the first Romulus store on Wick Road is set to open by the end of 2024.
Despite the excitement surrounding Sheetz's foray into the Michigan market, the convenience store's buzz has been dampened by recent decisions to hold off on Rochester Hills and Waterford developments. In attempts to ingratiate itself with Michiganders, Sheetz donated $25,000 to Forgotten Harvest, an organization serving Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties. Nonetheless, the company vows the postponement is not indicative of its commitment to growth in the state. Sheetz's expansion in Michigan is expected to stir job prospects, with each location employing between 30 and 35 individuals, mostly in full-time positions, The Oakland Press observed.
