A Sheetz convenience store and gas station in Youngwood is set to permanently close Oct. 7.
Employees were offered jobs at other locations around the area, according to Nick Ruffner, public relations manager for Sheetz. Company representatives did not respond to Trib questions about how many employees work there.
The interior of the convenience store, nestled between both directions of Route 119, was remodeled in the last few years. Sheetz officials did not respond to a Trib inquiry seeking a reason for the closure.
The closure will leave a hole in that part of town, said Mayor Kris Long. The gas station and convenience store is frequented not only by motorists passing through, but residents as well. Locals can walk there to grab something to eat or for other supplies, such as to fill a gas can for lawn equipment, he said.
“It’ll take away from the convenience of that end of town,” he said.
Long doesn’t want the property to be left idle for long.
“It’s a hope that something new can go into that space and not allow it to degrade,” he said.
The Youngwood location is bookended by two newer Sheetz convenience stores and gas stations in neighboring communities.
The store in New Stanton reopened in late 2021 after it was closed for months during a remodel and a new location was built along Route 119 in South Greensburg within the last few years.
While the Youngwood location is in its final weeks, Sheetz celebrated the opening of its first store in Michigan. The company president and CEO told reporters that Sheetz could ultimately open 50 to 60 locations in the Detroit area.
A Sheetz location planned at Davis Plaza along East Pittsburgh Street in Greensburg is still in the works. City council in October approved the development plans, according to meeting minutes. Sheetz is awaiting approvals from PennDOT, according to city officials.
