Sheetz wants to put stores in different areas of Southeast Michigan, but several communities are pushing the company away.
People living in two Metro Detroit communities say they don’t want Sheetz in their neighborhoods as plans are underway to open more locations.
Michigan’s first Sheetz location opened in Romulus last August, but Livonia, Madison Heights, Waterford and Rochester Hills all voted no to Sheetz.
Now, Highland Township and Royal Oak are set to decide on the matter as well.
Sheetz wants to put stores at the following locations:
- M-59 and Milford Road, Highland Township
- Coolidge and 14 Mile Road, Royal Oak
The owner of the gas station across the street from the proposed location in Royal Oak said that his business feeds his family and his employees and that everyone will struggle if they get run out by big companies like Sheetz.
Many business owners are concerned about this and want to make sure that local businesses have priority over national businesses.
Sheetz released the following statement about its experience in Metro Detroit:
“Despite a vocal minority opposing our stores, many whom have been organized by competing convenience store groups, there is overwhelming support for Sheetz locations across southeast Michigan. Romulus has welcomed us with open arms, and we have secured approvals for nine additional locations in the surrounding communities with more approved projects in the pipeline. Because we are committed to being good neighbors and want our locations to be reflective of the communities we serve, we welcome honest feedback and transparent dialogue from the public and take it seriously.
The residents of southeast Michigan deserve more choice, lower prices, and increased investment across the industry. Our competitors, and the groups they have formed to create public backlash, are intimidated by our category-leading brand. As a result, they have spread mistruths and mobilized citizens, who in some cases don’t even live in the communities we are looking to serve.
We know our supporters outnumber the opposition, and at this evening’s hearing in Highland Township, we will continue to set the record straight about our brand, highlight our offerings and share our success story. The southeast Michigan region is asking for a more competitive convenience store industry, and we are committed to this market.”
Nick Ruffner, Public Affairs Manager for Sheetz