Sheetz Takes Gold for Foodservice Operations

ALTOONA, Pa. -- Sheetz Inc., a convenience store operator known for its made-to-order foodservice business, will take home the gold when Stan Sheetz is honored as one of the 2012 Nation's Restaurant News Golden Chain Award winners this fall.

"It takes vision and confidence in your strategy to stay the course and prosper through changing and challenging times, and that's what this year's Golden Chain winners have been doing," NRN publisher Randall Friedman said. "We will be honoring these executives at [multi-unit foodservice operators] not only for their outstanding recent accomplishments but also for career achievements that have benefited our industry and the consumers we serve."

Sheetz, based in Altoona, Pa., dates its history back to 1952 when the company was founded by Stan Sheetz' father, Bob Sheetz. Today, the retailer operates more than 425 convenience stores throughout Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio and North Carolina, and has more than $5 billion in annual revenue, according to NRN. That growth will continue, Stan Sheetz, told the news outlet.

Despite tough economic conditions during the past few years, the company has opened between 25 and 30 new units a year. "We have not slowed down, and our food sales have been unusually strong," he said.

The other 2012 winners include leaders at Caribou Coffee Co., Papa John's International Inc., Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches, Bonefish Grill and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen/AFC Enterprises. They will be honored during the 53rd annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators Conference which will be take place Sept. 30 through Oct. 2 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas. The winner of the Operator of the Year award will be announced on the last night of the conference.