Sheetz to open 500th unit

Food-focused convenience chain Sheetz said it would celebrate the opening of its 500th store by providing free coffee and fountain drinks chainwide on Feb. 24.

The company will hold grand opening ceremonies at the store in Thomasville, N.C., on the same day. "Sheetz is experiencing exponential growth, and this marks a significant milestone, not only for our company but also for the three generations of the Sheetz family who continue to run it," Joe Sheetz, president and CEO, said in a statement.

"From one small dairy store founded by my uncle, Bob Sheetz, in 1952, we've grown to one of the fastest growing family-owned convenience retailers with 500 stores across six states."

Sheetz, based in Altoona, Pa., has 30 new store openings planned this year including a new restaurant concept planned for two sites.