It is impossible not to notice the rise of the gas station, Sheetz. Around two years ago, Sheetz in Powell had its grand opening, being the new closest location to Kilbourne. Now, there is a Sheetz at 161 E Campus View Blvd, sitting around five minutes from Kilbourne. Also, there is another expected Sheetz on the corner of Hard road and Sawmill road that is yet to open. So, with all of these new locations, what is the big deal? What makes people love Sheetz? Is Sheetz defining the future of gas stations?

The History of Sheetz

Going back to the beginning of the beloved gas station, Bob Sheetz opened the first Sheetz in Altoona, Pennsylvania in 1952 with the goal of combining a gas station and a convenience store. After great success, Bob Sheetz and his brother decided to expand Sheetz to more locations in 1969. This decision marked the begging of what Sheetz has today: a unique combination of gas station, convenience store, and fast food restaurant all in one place.

What makes Sheetz all that great?

Junior Lucy Steel believes “what makes Sheetz unique is how big it is and what I love about Sheetz is the amount of options you have to pick from.” The most unique aspect of Sheetz is their dine-in feature. Not only does Sheetz have typical gas stations snacks and drinks, but it has a fast food feature with options ranging from app samplers, breakfast sandwiches, hotdogs, burgers, and more. These options are all prepared by order.

Also, Junior Colton McGregor loves how “Sheetz is like a hangout spot that everyone goes to and there is great food. My go-to order is a chicken sandwich and an app sampler.”

The area of Sheetz where people can hang out and eat certainly makes the establishment special. Teenagers especially are always searching for a place to spend minimal money and have maximum capacity for a good hangout.

Finally, Sheetz is also known for their relatively low gas prices. They are known for selling gas at $1.776 on the 4th of July to celebrate the holiday. This is just one of many promotions that Sheetz does.

Is Sheetz defining the future of gas stations?

After being closed for nearly two years, the remodeled UDF on Hard Road is finally finished. Looking to UDF, it is clear that there are some aspects of Sheetz present in their layout and design, such as their order system and dining areas.

Steel shares that “UDF is following in Sheetz’s footsteps because they are also doing the iPad order system and now have a lot of food options.” When ordering at either of the gas stations, customers can use iPad order systems and pay by themselves. When their order is ready, an employee will call their name out at a pick-up area.

So, which is better?

“I personally prefer UDF over Sheetz because it’s closer to my house. Also, they have the cotton candy slushies.” Steel shares.

McGregor contradicts, sharing that “UDF was definitely trying to copy Sheetz, but I don’t think it’s working out very well because they have been out of a lot of food so far.”

It is certainly nice to have an up-and-running gas station so close to Kilbourne, but only time will tell if UDF will be successful in replicating Sheetz and what the future of gas stations will look like as we continue to move forward.