Timeline
| Period | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1952 | Bob Sheetz buys one of his father's dairy stores in Altoona, Pennsylvania. |
| 1960s | More stores open in the Altoona area, and Steve Sheetz joins the business. |
| 1970s | Sheetz grows as a convenience chain and adds gasoline. |
| 1980s | Expansion beyond central Pennsylvania into neighboring states. |
| 1990s | Sheetz introduces touchscreen ordering for made-to-order food, an early move for the industry. |
| 2000s to 2010s | Growth across Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and North Carolina; larger store formats with seating and drive-thrus. |
| 2020s | Faster expansion in Ohio and North Carolina, new stores in Michigan, Unleaded 88 and EV charging at more stores. |
What changed the business
- Fuel plus food: combining gas with a real kitchen gave people a reason to come inside.
- Touchscreens: made-to-order kiosks let one kitchen handle thousands of combinations.
- 24/7: keeping the kitchen open around the clock built a late-night following.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Sheetz?
Sheetz dates to 1952, so it's over 70 years old.
When did Sheetz start selling gas?
Sheetz added fuel as it grew into a convenience chain in the 1970s.