Latest news with #SheetzMTO
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sheetz' bid to build new store rejected. Why Millcreek officials denied it
Sheetz's request for a zoning variance to build a convenience store at the Edinboro Road entrance to the Millcreek Mall has been denied by the Millcreek Township Zoning Hearing Board. The Altoona-based chain had planned to build a 6,139-square-foot convenience store with 10 fuel pumps, drive-through lane and car wash at the site of the former Red Lobster restaurant. The store would have been similar to the store built at West 38th and Liberty streets in Erie. The Edinboro Road property is zoned for Commercial-2 development, which does not include large convenience stores. Sheetz requested a zoning variance to allow the store's construction. Sheetz representatives contend that the 8,509-square-foot former Red Lobster restaurant, built in 1987, is too large for a modern-day restaurant and that the 1.8-acre property is too small for a strip plaza. It would be cost prohibitive for a business to build a smaller building on the property, and no other business has expressed interest in redeveloping the property since it was offered for lease in June, Ryan Wotus, a Pittsburgh attorney representing Sheetz, said in requesting the variance. Sheetz MTO is a winner: In 'Coolest Thing Made in PA' poll The proposed convenience store, Wotus said, would be a good fit for the property and would be "in context with the surrounding neighborhood that exists within this commercial development." It also would boost tourism by serving guests at nearby hotels and would improve safety in the area with additional lighting and 24-hour operations, said Nikki Cully, representing Chase Hotel Group, which owns and operates the Candlewood Suites hotel neighboring the Red Lobster property. "Most of our (guests) come from Canada, and we house a lot of nurses as well long-term," Cully said. "A convenience store would be great for them right next door in walking distance." More than restaurants and strip plazas are permitted in the C-3 district, although the property would accommodate a small plaza like the one anchored by Starbucks near the former Red Lobster property, Millcreek Township attorney Mark Shaw said. Thirty-one types of businesses are permitted in the C-3 district, and the property has been offered for lease for less than a year, Shaw said. A large convenience store would be better built in the nearby Mixed Use-2 district along Zimmerly Road west of Interstate 79, said township planning and development director Matt Waldinger. Large convenience stores are permitted in the district. "Although we are happy to host Sheetz in Millcreek Township and are proud that the first Sheetz in the entire region was built at Asbury Road, we feel there are appropriately zoned locations very close to this (Edinboro Road property) that would not require a variance or require us to change our zoning ordinance just for the sake of convenience," Waldinger said. Hagen History Center Executive Director Cal Pifer, speaking as a Millcreek resident during the zoning hearing, argued that the entrance to the Millcreek Mall is not an appropriate location for a convenience store. "This is the gateway to the Millcreek Mall," Pifer said. "Can any of you reasonably say a gas station will be an aesthetic addition to the township. "This is their standard design. It's for gas stations appropriate for the side of freeways," Pifer said. "It is not appropriate for a major tourist attraction in our community." The Zoning Hearing Board voted unanimously and without comment to reject the Sheetz variance request. Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@ This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Millcreek Zoning Board denies Sheetz variance for Edinboro Road store
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sheetz MTO wins ‘Coolest Thing Made in PA' title
The results are in -- Sheetz MTO has earned the title of the 'Coolest Thing Made in PA.' The convenience store defeated Crayola Crayons in the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry's 2025 competition final round. 'From our public bracket unveiling in March to reveling in the close matchups over these last several weeks and seeing the voters weigh in, this year's contest wasn't only fun but again showcased Pennsylvania's excellence in manufacturing, consumer engagement, and brand loyalty,' said PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein. 'We love hosting this annual contest to remind people how many incredible products are made here and beloved across the Commonwealth, the nation, and worldwide. Congratulations to Sheetz on their well-deserved victory!' The company said this year's contest, which featured 64 teams across the state, generated more than 65,000 votes through several social media pages. 'We are honored and so grateful to be named the 'Coolest Thing in Pennsylvania,'' said Sheetz EVP of Marketing and Supply Chain Ryan Sheetz. 'Our MTOs have been fueling Sheetz Runs for almost 40 years across the Commonwealth bringing value, customization, and variety to Sheetz Freakz everywhere – 24/7/365!' Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Spring Craft & Gift Festival takes place at Bayfront Convention Center
Over 90 small businesses from the region have set up shop at the Bayfront Convention Center. They're showing off their best handmade items for the Spring Craft & Gift Festival. 'Mother's Day is coming up, so you can find that great gift for mom, or if you're just ready to redecorate the house for spring, get ready for summertime, there's lots of great decor and other items here as well,' said Ed Snyder, general manager of the Bayfront Convention Center. One thing that all these artists have in common is the dedication to their craft. Some take hours, days or even months to produce their merchandise. PennWest Edinboro fair educates on life with disabilities Not only is it important for the customer to be satisfied, but the artists want to be just as proud of the product. This commitment is why Snyder said it's important to support small businesses. 'These vendors and artisans are from the region, so you're supporting local businesses, especially now with Amazon and so much stuff coming from all over the place, it's cool to support local folks,' said Snyder. There's a wide variety of unique things to shop for and you might even find something with your name on it.' 'Each candle is handcrafted carefully, and I make sure it's good quality,' said Danielle Knight, owner of Handcraft Island. 'Like, coconut and soy and fragrance is phthalid free, so it's not like something that can interrupt your hormones.' Knight has been making extraordinarily detailed candles, wax melts and room sprays since February of 2022. She began her business when she noticed the joy a fresh lit candle would bring to a room. Her candles range from sugar cookie and almond cupcake to fruity loopz and lavender dreamz. She's come up with every scent and name on her own. Sheetz MTO wins Coolest Thing Made in PA 2025 title 'I have people that keep it for a year, and they still walk past and smell it, or if you decide to light it right away, it makes the whole room smell good,' said Knight. Knight also doubles as a stay-at-home mom. She said the aroma of her candles motivates her to clean her house. 'I know other women know this feeling when you're cleaning and you've got a candle; it's just relaxing,' said Knight. 'If you feel like you're defeated, just take a breather and get right back up; anything can be done. It takes time and dedication.' The show continues on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dominick's Diner says thank you and farewell to Erie
It's the end of an era. Dominick's Diner served its loyal customers for the last time Friday. The longtime downtown Erie institution has been sold. Co-owner Tina Ferraro said the diner had a great 68-year run and it's time to hand off the baton to a new owner. Sheetz MTO wins Coolest Thing Made in PA 2025 title She told us that customers have been coming in all week for one last meal. The diner ran out of its famous meatball omelette just after 10 a.m. but not before longtime customer Ellie Grantham enjoyed one. 'Well, I came in for the meatball omelette. It is so good. It is just the best I've had. And I've been here before and being that this is the last day I had to get here,' Grantham said. NFI Empire auctioning off classic truck to benefit humane society 'So since I announced that today would be our last day, it has been… the Erie community has come out in force. I think we've sold more meatball omelettes in the last five days than we have in the last month probably,' Ferraro said. Ferraro wouldn't share who the new owner is. She says she expects 'great things' but she doesn't expect the business to keep the name Dominick's Diner. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sheetz MTO wins Coolest Thing Made in PA 2025 title
(WJET/WFXP)– The people have voted and there's a new Coolest Thing Made in PA, Sheetz MTO food has won the title for this year's contest. Out of 64 contestants this year, the Altoona-based store ate up the competition to win this year's Coolest Thing Made in PA competition after taking down Crayola Crayons in the final round. 'We are honored and so grateful to be named the 'Coolest Thing in Pennsylvania,'' said Sheetz EVP of Marketing and Supply Chain Ryan Sheetz. 'Our MTOs have been fueling Sheetz Runs for almost 40 years across the Commonwealth bringing value, customization, and variety to Sheetz Freakz everywhere – 24/7/365!' Put together by the Pennsylvania Chamber, Pennsylvanians placed more than 65,000 votes in this year's competition across PA Chamber's TikTok, Instagram, X and LinkedIn starting back on March 18 paying homage to products made in the Keystone State. 'From our public bracket unveiling in March to reveling in the close matchups over these last several weeks and seeing the voters weigh in, this year's contest wasn't only fun but again showcased Pennsylvania's excellence in manufacturing, consumer engagement, and brand loyalty,' said PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein. 'We love hosting this annual contest to remind people how many incredible products are made here and beloved across the Commonwealth, the nation, and worldwide. Congratulations to Sheetz on their well-deserved victory!' Sheetz now joins Primanti Bros. as bracket winners who took home the title in 2023 and 2024. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
