Sheetz Drive-Thrus Ring Up 10 Percent of Sales

ALTOONA, Pa. -- Convenience stores have been slow to embrace a key component of convenience in the world of quick-service restaurants: the drive-thru window. However, Sheetz Inc. has added the feature to 44 locations to date and is seeing the rewards.

According to Gina Hazelet, a district manager with Sheetz's regional office in Indiana, Pa., 10 percent of the company's sales come through the drive-thru window.

One such location is the new "Super Sheetz" store in Ligonier Township, Pa., which replaced an older Sheetz site, TribLIVE reported.

"The facility now offers drive-thru window service. Anything we sell, with the exception of lottery tickets, can be sold through the drive-thru," said Pam Aubrey, another district manager with the regional office. "Now, mom doesn't have to pull the kids out of the van. We've done this at other stores and it's been a great convenience."

The latest addition to the Sheetz portfolio opened Aug. 21. The 6,000-square-foot convenience restaurant features expanded store and food preparation space, larger restroom facilities, as well as indoor and outdoor eating space, the news outlet reported.

"We are the only drive-thru in town. Just tell us what you want and we'll go get it for you," Hazelet added.

The store's new fuel facility -- slated for completion in six to eight weeks -- will offer additional gas pumps and extend fuel options to include diesel. 

"After 25 years in this location, we are happy to be able to offer more variety," Aubrey said. "We definitely wanted to upgrade the store for the community."

Altoona-based Sheetz Inc. has more than 450 convenience stores in six states.