Every once in a while I have to remind myself how lucky I am to live in Pennsylvania.  Sure…we’ve got beautiful scenery and competitive sports teams.  But more importantly, we have the battle of Sheetz versus Wawa.  The south has Buc-ees.  Wisconsin has Kwik Trip.  And I love both of those.  But when it comes down to it, I swear by the Pennsylvania-based mini-markets. The Philadelphians and other eastern Pennsylvanians (and New Jersey folks) are committed to Wawa.  But despite the fact that my mother grew up in suburban Philly and I went to Wawa many times before I even knew Sheetz existed, I am a Sheetz girl through and through.  Maybe it’s the fact that the company is based just down the highway in Altoona.  Maybe it’s nostalgia for the giant fountain beverage that used to come in a cup labeled “The Big Pig.”  Maybe it’s the convenience of the many locations down the east coast and into the Midwest. Maybe it’s because it’s the first place that I used a store-branded refillable coffee mug to get my caffeine when I entered adulthood.  It could be any or all of these things.

There are three different Sheetz stores within walking distance of my house.  And I frequent all of them with some regularity.  The obvious reason is that it’s a convenient place to get gas for my car. And with the stacked benefits of the My Sheetz loyalty card and my Sheetz branded credit card, I get instant savings of eight cents per gallon on gas.  And as I buy food and other things inside the mini-market, that earns me reward points that I can use to further reduce the price of gasoline.

When I take a road trip, I tend to move from Sheetz to Sheetz along my journey.  There are only a few layouts of the stores, so I’m always in familiar surroundings no matter where I am.  There is always a convenient rest room, a cold drink or hot coffee, and a quick meal or snack available.  And they are open 24/7, so I can always count on them to be there when I need something. A newspaper and an adult beverage to close out Thanksgiving day?  Sheetz had my back.  When I get too far from the familiar red canopy, it always makes me a bit nervous and uncomfortable…like I’m missing a friend.  I always feel better on a return trip when I know I am back in Sheetz country.

I also do a lot of my banking at Sheetz.  My credit union does not have any local branches.  So when I need actual cash, I need an ATM.  Sheetz has exactly the ATM I need.  Every Sheetz has an ATM that does not charge fees.  And my credit union also does not charge fees.  So Sheetz is my bank whenever I need a little cold, hard cash.

I know there are a lot of Wawa lovers among my readers.  But Sheetz saves me money on a regular basis.  Regardless of your loyalty, one thing is certain.  We are very fortunate to be blessed with great mini-market chains in Pennsylvania!