LIMERICK TWP., Pa. — A popular gas station and convenience store chain is offering free self-serve coffee and soda at its newest Pennsylvania location on Thursday.
Sheetz opened its first store in the Philadelphia suburbs. It’s located at 454 W. Ridge Pk. in Limerick Township, Montgomery County, across the street from a rival Wawa location.
Sheetz’s grand opening celebration was attended by more than 350 local residents, nonprofit representatives, and county commissioners, according to a news release.
At the celebration, which kicked off at 9 a.m., Sheetz offered giveaways to attendees that included $250 in Sheetz gift cards.
On Thursday morning, Sheetz opened its first Montgomery County location at 454 W. Ridge Pike in Limerick Township.
Sheetz
To welcome customers in this new market, Sheetz is also offering free self-serve coffee and soda throughout the grand-opening day.
“Over the past several years, we have received a significant number of inquiries from Montgomery County residents eager to see our premium convenience brand make its way to their community,” said Adam Sheetz, executive vice president of operations for the company that was founded by his grandfather, Bob, in 1952.
“We are thrilled to bring our all-in-one convenience experience to Montgomery County, while providing quality jobs and serving as a positive force in this community.”
Sheetz executive vice president of operations Adam Sheetz, center holding microphone, speaks at Thursday’s grand opening celebration Sheetz’s first Montgomery County location at 454 W. Ridge Pike in Limerick Township.
Sheetz
“We are excited to be experiencing good, wholesome, not-so-good-for-you food, and great coffee,” said Amy Rudolph of Collegeville.
Sheetz leaders say they’ve been hearing from Montgomery County residents for years, asking when the company would expand east. Now they’re here. And customers are curious.
“I’m still shocked that there’s a Sheetz across from a Wawa. Like, it’s crazy to me,” said Emika Poole of Limerick.
“I’m excited to try, like, all the new food they have and see how the competition will be,” added Devyn Poole.
Sheetz presented a $2,500 donation to Philabundance, a nonprofit that distributes food throughout nine counties in southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.
Additionally, customers who donated a non-perishable item to Philabundance during the grand-opening celebration received Sheetz swag.
Sheetz also presented a $2,500 check to the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania. A proud supporter of the Special Olympics for more than 30 years, Sheetz extends its support to the organization through product donations and event volunteers.
Sheetz, headquartered in Altoona, Blair County, aims to offer “kicked-up convenience while being more than just a convenience store,” according to a company description.
“It’s like the old days where you had a McDonald’s and a Burger King right next to each other,” said Matthew March of Royersford.
The National Retail Federation says convenience chains like this are expanding fast, as customers look for quick food, coffee and drive-thru options all in one stop.
For some, it’s still about that Pennsylvania rivalry.
“The competition was fierce. So I’m hoping that Wawa steps it up, and they keep it up,” March said.
On Thursday morning, Sheetz opened its first Montgomery County location at 454 W. Ridge Pike in Limerick Township.
Sheetz
The company is known for its made-to-order food, including burgers, chicken sandwiches, burritos and appetizers, and specialty drinks such as cold-brew coffee, lattes, smoothies and milkshakes.
The chain operates more than 800 locations across Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland, with all locations open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The company continues to expand its footprint in the region, with the Lehigh Valley’s ninth location set to open this spring at Main Street (Route 412) and Kichline Ave. in Hellertown, Northampton County.
Additionally, Upper Macungie Township supervisors last week granted conditional use approval for a new convenience store and gas station in the township.
The proposal calls for an auto service station with accessory convenience store and drive-up window service on two vacant parcels at 871 N. Route 100 and 7535 Tilghman St. with access onto Route 100 and Tilghman Street.
Sheetz also operates nine stores in Berks County.