News Summary
Sheetz, a popular convenience store and gas station chain, has announced plans to open its first location in East Lansing, Michigan, generating 30-35 new jobs. The store, located at 111 E. Saginaw St., will feature four gas pump islands and a varied retail experience. Despite enthusiasm from some community members, concerns regarding increased traffic and competition have been raised, leading to a public hearing on October 8 to discuss the necessary permits for operation. Sheetz aims to be a community hub while expanding its presence in mid-Michigan.
East Lansing, Michigan — Sheetz, a well-known convenience store and gas station chain based in Pennsylvania, has announced plans to open its first store in East Lansing, creating 30-35 new jobs in the area. This decision was publicized on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, and marks a significant expansion for the company into mid-Michigan.
The new Sheetz store will be located at 111 E. Saginaw St., at the northernmost corner of East Saginaw Street and Abbot Road. Covering an area of 6,139 square feet, the establishment will feature four gas pump islands with a total of eight pumps, allowing for extensive refueling options for patrons.
As part of its commitment to the East Lansing community, Sheetz plans to offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for the majority of the positions available at the new location. The announcement has garnered positive reactions, particularly after a successful market entry into Metro Detroit, where Sheetz recently opened its first two locations in Romulus, one in 2024 and another in July 2025.
Nick Ruffner, the public affairs manager for Sheetz, expressed the company’s enthusiasm about entering “Spartan Country,” indicating their desire to become part of the local community. The company’s expansion strategy includes plans to open at least six to as many as twelve additional stores in the mid-Michigan region.
The East Lansing store will be situated in a property zoned as B-2 Retail Sales Business District, enabling it to cater to the area’s commercial needs. However, the announcement has not been without concerns. Some residents and local business owners have expressed apprehensions regarding increased traffic and competition posed by the new store, particularly in terms of how it may impact existing businesses in the vicinity.
Sheetz has a history of facing challenges when attempting to establish new locations in certain areas. Previous efforts to open stores in two Detroit-area communities encountered opposition and were ultimately rejected by local government officials. In light of this, a public hearing has been scheduled for October 8, during which the East Lansing Planning Commission will discuss Sheetz’s request for a special use permit necessary for the store’s operation.
While acknowledging potential concerns, Sheetz has committed to being a “welcoming community hub” in East Lansing. Plans include engaging in charitable efforts similar to those already implemented in southeast Michigan as part of their corporate social responsibility approach. The investment in each Sheetz outlet typically lands between $7 million and $8 million, signifying the company’s dedication to the communities they serve.
Sheetz operates over 700 stores across multiple states, providing 24/7 service to customers. These stores are designed to be more than just gas stations; they serve as full-service convenience stores where patrons can purchase food, beverages, and various retail items.
The establishment of the East Lansing store is expected to not only provide local jobs but also enhance the shopping experience for residents, who will soon have access to Sheetz’s unique mix of convenience offerings. As Sheetz works towards fulfilling local requirements tied to their planned locations, they also prioritize investing in necessary road improvements based on traffic studies related to each site they consider.
The community awaits the outcomes of the upcoming public hearing and the company’s future plans as they potentially reshape the convenience retail landscape in East Lansing and beyond.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Lansing State Journal
- Wikipedia: East Lansing, Michigan
- WLIX News
- Google Search: Sheetz convenience store East Lansing
- Crain’s Detroit Business
- Google News: Sheetz East Lansing
- The State News
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
