Sheetz is expanding in Michigan—and this time, it’s looking outside of the Detroit area. The Altoona, Pennsylvania-based convenience-store chain said in a news release Tuesday that it intends to build a store in East Lansing.
East Lansing’s Planning Commission is holding a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8 for approval of a special use permit for Sheetz at the proposed site, 111 E. Saginaw St.
Sheetz has requested to build a 6,139-square-foot store with a drive-thru and four gas pump islands with eight pumps, the notice for the hearing said.
“Sheetz is excited to confirm our intention to open a store in East Lansing as we expand into mid-Michigan,” said Nick Ruffner, public affairs manager for Sheetz. “After a tremendous response to our openings in metro Detroit, we can’t wait to bring the Sheetz experience to Spartan Country.”
- Sheetz is No. 13 on CSP’s 2025 Top 202 ranking of U.S. convenience-store chains by store count.
Sheetz opened its second Michigan store in July at 29225 Smith Road, Romulus. Its first location in the state was at 33380 Wick Road, Romulus. The c-store chain said it plans to open 50 to 60 stores in southeast Michigan over the next five to six years. Stores are already under construction or approved for construction in New Baltimore, Warren, Taylor, Roseville, Eastpointe, Ypsilanti, Fraser and more cities in the greater Detroit area.
The proposed East Lansing location would be about 2 miles north of Michigan State University’s campus.
“The East Lansing store is envisioned as more than just a place to fuel up—it will be a welcoming community hub,” Ruffner said. “Families will find a spot to share a meal, friends can gather before a big game at Spartan Stadium or the Breslin Center, and neighbors will have a go-to location designed to be part of the community. Across the country, Sheetz stores serve this role in residential areas, and we’re excited to deliver the same in East Lansing as we continue to grow in Michigan.”
Sheetz recently opened its 800th convenience store in Raleigh, North Carolina. The company said each new location creates 30-35 new jobs.
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