Sheetz Hits 50-Store Milestone in North Carolina

WAKE FOREST, N.C. -- Sheetz Convenience Restaurants opened its 50th store in North Carolina today, located at 1895 South Franklin St. in Wake Forest, N.C. Executive Vice President Louie Sheetz cut the ribbon at an 11 a.m. grand opening celebration, alongside the new store team and town and county officials.

Free food and beverages, games and chances for customers to win dozens of prizes are on hand at the event. Sheetz will also make a $2,500 donation to the Special Olympics North Carolina as part of the festivities.

The Altoona, Pa.-based c-store chain entered North Carolina nearly 10 years ago and has called the state its No. 1 target for growth in recent years. It opened new stores in Rocky Mount, Washington and Garner, N.C., in the last six weeks.

"Today we are at 50 stores and counting in North Carolina, with several more scheduled to open in the coming months," stated Louie Sheetz. "Customer loyalty and a high-quality employee base are two big reasons we are excited about what North Carolina means to the company's future."

The new, 6,400-square-foot store is expected to create 40 to 45 new full- and part-time jobs, and add $3.5 million in taxable property value to the city and county tax base, the company said.

Sheetz also plans to break ground on a new distribution center in Burlington, N.C., this summer.

"Selecting the city of Burlington as the site for our second distribution center is based on the great opportunities for growth this state has to offer and our strong commitment to be here for a long time," Sheetz added.