Sheetz Taking New Campus Concept to Second College

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Sheetz Inc. will open its second convenience store without gas pumps later this year, the company announced. Located at 129 S. Pugh St. in State College, the new store near Penn State University will instead feature a beer cave and casual dining options.

The new store concept will be the second of its kind. The first gas-free store with a beer cave is scheduled to open in March in Morgantown. W.Va., near West Virginia University.

Renovations of the 5,000-square-foot Pennsylvania location will begin in April. It will be the first Sheetz store near downtown State College.

"This location is ideal for Sheetz, in the heart of downtown State College," the retailer said in a statement. "It will be within walking distance for students of Penn State and a great place for locals to enjoy Sheetz food in a convenient location."

Development of the store concept reportedly took two years. Along with the beer cave, it will feature hot and cold ready-to-eat products; Sheetz' Made-To-Order subs, sandwiches and salads; Sheetz Bros. Coffeez; a pizza oven and more. It will also offer a tray service concept that lets customers eat at a table inside or outside the store.

"The new Sheetz concept is the fulfillment of a goal and our relentless pursuit of innovation in the food and beverage category," said Emily Sheetz, the company's director of special projects. "It will create [a] new way for our customers to enjoy our food in a casual dining experience. Our pioneering spirit has led us to this point. This is the next generation of Sheetz."

Altoona-based Sheetz Inc. operates 489 convenience stores throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio and North Carolina.