By Madison Lewis

Our three dishes.

We walked into the dining establishment at about 2 p.m., expecting a long wait for a place as popular as this. To our surprise, there were few diners inside, an ample amount of empty tables, and four employees waiting eagerly to serve us. We took a seat, laid napkins on our laps, and waited for our food. The staff asked if we needed anything as we sipped on our beverages. Once our food arrived, a delightful aroma quickly enveloped us. We began digging into our hors d’oeuvres, then devoured our elegant main courses. This fine dining is located less than three miles from Collegiate, in an intimate corner of the Regency Square shopping center: Sheetz.

Sheetz was founded in 1952 when Bob Sheetz purchased one of his father’s five dairy stores in Altoona, Pennsylvania. In 1961, Bob hired his brother Steve to work part-time at the store. By 1983, Bob and Steve had opened 100 stores. The following year, Bob retired and handed over the company’s leadership to his trusted business partner and brother, Steve. In 1995, Stan Sheetz, Bob’s son, became president. Stan led the company through new periods of growth and innovation, introducing Sheetz fans to touch-screen ordering, Sheetz Bros. Coffeez, and Sweetz Bakery products while redefining the concept of receiving quality food at a gas station.

Today, there are 705 Sheetz in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, West Virginia, and Maryland, with 300 in Pennsylvania. My friend Claire Lareau (‘25) and I went to the new Sheetz in Regency for a late lunch after our Parent Conferences on November 1. We ordered a variety of foods from the well-organized and inviting touch-screen to get a taste of the broad selection that Sheetz offers. 

Spreads, or condiments, offered.

From Shwingz (Sheetz’s version of a chicken wing) to spicy chicken Caesar salads, Lareau and I were unsure what to choose. After scrolling through the different options, Lareau ordered a classic grilled cheese with both Swiss and American ($3.19). Sheetz gives you the option of two cheeses, a condiment, toppings, and seasoning. You can never go wrong with a grilled cheese, but this grilled cheese was beyond exceptional. It had the perfect amount of crunch, with a warm gooey inside. Lareau described it as “absolutely delectable,” so I had to try it. It was nothing less than what she described. Lareau also noted that it was cheaper than her usual grilled cheese. She explains, “I’m used to paying upwards of $5 for a grilled cheese, so this sandwich was surprisingly good for the price.”

I settled on the regular-sized boneless chicken Bitez, tossed in spicy Asian sauce ($5.89). The menu gives you the option of a regular or large and a wide selection of dippers, including Buffalo, habañero, and Boom Boom sauce. The inside was juicy and fresh, with a perfect crispy layer tossed in the sweet but tangy sauce. 

Finally, we split the mac n’ cheese bites with marinara sauce ($5.09). These were also warm and gooey on the inside, with a perfect crunch on the outside. These are perfect if you like mac and cheese but want something bite-sized. Lareau enjoyed how easy to eat these were: “Sometimes it’s a hassle to find a fork to eat mac and cheese with, especially when your friends are eating handheld foods like sandwiches. These were quick and clean to eat, and they were delicious.”

We both got a regular-sized fountain drink, Dr. Pepper, to wash down our food ($1.19). When we first walked in, we grabbed our cups and headed to the soda machine. Unfortunately, the ice machine was down, but the employees were helpful, offering to fill our cups with ice behind the counter and apologizing for the inconvenience. 

Our combined total.

After we finished our three items, we were ready to check out. All we had to do was walk to the self-checkout, scan our receipt, and pay. For a combined total of $18.09, this was an unexpectedly low price for all three dishes and two drinks.

Lareau feels the price was “affordable compared to some of the nearby chain restaurants.” For the ambiance this 6000-square foot convenience store offers, the price is quite reasonable. Lareau mentioned how Sheetz offered “lots of windows and light.” The store was also very vibrant, with bright colors and people of all backgrounds hustling in and out. The cashiers were friendly, efficient, and even funny. 

Can’t go into the store, or don’t feel like it? No problem; this Sheetz has a drive-thru. Not only does Sheetz offer delectable dishes made-to-go, but also a wide variety of different snacks. Sheetz has almost any snack you could ever think of, so if you’re ever craving something quick and easy, Sheetz’s selection of chips to cookies has you covered. 

Elle Oliver (‘25) says she often swings by Sheetz when she needs a quick drink or snack: “Sheetz is often convenient, but also good.” Adriana King (‘25), explained that she “only feels comfortable getting gas from Sheetz, due to its layout, price, and reliability.” Sheetz’s gas pumping layout gives drivers more space than other gas stations to drive and park fully without causing anxiety or fear. Compared to other gas stations, Sheetz prices are also often more affordable than others. When I went, gas prices were only $2.99, whereas other gas stations we passed offered prices over $3.00. King shared that “Sheetz is her home away from home.”

Sheetz states that “our mission at Sheetz has been to meet the needs of customers on the go. Of course, things have changed over those 70-plus years. Life is faster and busier, and customers expect us to be there when they need us most. One thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to our customers, our employees, and the communities in which we operate.” As an avid Sheetz enthusiast, I can confidently say that Sheetz’s mission has never failed.

All photos by Madison Lewis.