Sheetz announced four new Metro Detroit locations after multiple communities have expressed concerns about them.
Among the concerns are traffic and taking customers away from local businesses.
Local 4 asked the company some questions about the oppositions, including if areas like Royal Oak, Warren and Eastpointe are tight squeezes for something as robust as Sheetz.
“Absolutely not,” said Sheetz Public Affairs Manager Nick Ruffner. “Each Sheetz store is unique—its size and offerings are tailored to the specific needs of the community it serves and designed to seamlessly integrate into the local environment."
He used the Romulus store that opened in August as an example to further explain how stores are tailored to the community they are located in.
“For instance, our Romulus store is located along a highway,” said Ruffner. “This prime location allows us to offer high-flow diesel for commercial vehicles. However, just seven percent of our stores provide this service. This is the only site we have planned for Southeast Michigan that offers fueling for big trucks.”
Ruffner said Sheetz assesses the traffic in an area before moving forward on any project, and also works with the community after the store opens.
“Before we embark on any project, we conduct a thorough analysis of traffic patterns to ensure that vehicle flow remains smooth and efficient at the location,” said Ruffner. “And our commitment doesn’t end once a store opens; we continue to work closely with the township and community to ensure traffic remains unimpeded on the roads located near the store.”
When Local 4 asked Ruffner what he had to say to anyone concerned or against any of the Metro Detroit locations, he said the following:
Sheetz was built on a commitment to be a vital part of every community we serve. We want our locations to be reflective of the communities we locate in, and we welcome honest feedback and transparent dialogue from the public and take it seriously.
There is clear and overwhelming support for Sheetz across the greater Detroit area. The City of Romulus has welcomed us with open arms, eager to experience our one-of-a-kind convenience offering. This enthusiasm fuels our momentum, with 13 additional exciting projects in the pipeline. These projects are strategically located in communities that are not just ready, but excited, to drive growth, attract investment, and create good jobs for their residents. We are proud to be part of this transformative movement and are fully committed to investing in the future of these neighborhoods.
Nick Ruffner, Sheetz Public Affairs Manager
So far, 13 locations have been approved in Metro Detroit, and include the following:
- 45075 North Gratiot Avenue, Macomb, MI 48042
- 5970 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48092
- 29455 Grand River Avenue, Farmington Hills, MI 48336
- 39471 West 12 Mile Road, Novi, MI 48377
- 19001 East 9 Mile Road, Eastpointe, MI 48021
- 8200 Telegraph Road, Taylor, MI 48180
- 20623 Eureka Road, Taylor, MI 48180
- 45011 Garfield Road, Macomb, MI 48044
- 31925 Van Dyke Avenue, Warren, MI 48093
- 2103 West Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
- 29225 Smith Road, Romulus, MI 48174
- 23 Mile Road just east of Interstate 94 in Chesterfield Township, MI
- Southwest corner of 14 Mile and Utica roads in Fraser, MI
Proposed locations have been turned down in Livonia, Madison Heights, Rochester Hills and Waterford.
