Sheetz Convenience Store + Gas Station To Open First In Michigan

Sheetz Inc. announced that they're bringing their popular 24/7 gas station/coffee shop/convenience store chain to Michigan. Their first location in the state will be in Romulus, opening in late 2024, according to a report by Crain's. While the company did not disclose the exact number of stores planned for Michigan, Brian Dinges, the assistant vice president of real estate for Sheetz, mentioned in an email to Crain's that they have ambitious plans for expansion across the state and into Toledo.

The store and gas station will be part of the Romulus Trade Center project, covering a massive 211-acre property. It's expected to bring in $130 million in investments. Along with the Sheetz store, the project includes 2 million square feet of industrial and warehouse space, creating around 750-1,000 construction jobs and 500 permanent jobs, as reported by Crain’s.

The Romulus Planning Commission documents also had details. The store will take up about 6,900 square feet and will have 12 vehicle fueling stations and five truck fueling stations under a big 4,700-square-foot canopy. And when Sheetz has extra space, they go all out with amenities like EV charging stations, walk-in beer and wine coolers, and sometimes even a car wash.

If you've ever been to Sheetz, you know they're all about their specialty drinks and made-to-go food. They've built quite a reputation for that. According to their website, the company started in 1952 when Bob Sheetz bought one of his dad's dairy stores in Altoona, Pennsylvania. And now, they're expanding to Michigan.

Seven decades later, Sheetz has grown with a presence in Central and Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, and even North Carolina. With over 650 stores spread across the U.S.

In recent years, the gluten-free diet has gained considerable popularity. A growing number of people have opted to eliminate gluten from their meals. Some people must adhere to a gluten-free diet due to medical conditions, such as celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. But there’s a significant portion of the population that has willingly chosen this dietary path for many reasons.

One reason people choose to adopt this diet is for their health and well-being. Some believe that eliminating gluten can improve digestion, increase energy levels, and help with weight management. However, there’s a lack of scientific evidence supporting these claims. The perception that a gluten-free diet can contribute to a healthier lifestyle often influences people's dietary choices.

Even without a formal medical diagnosis, some people believe that they are gluten intolerant. People who experience bloating, fatigue, or gastrointestinal distress may choose to eliminate gluten from their diets.

Celebrity influence, social media, and popular culture have also contributed to the normalization and popularity of the food alternative lifestyle. For some, adopting a gluten-free diet is a personal experiment. It is often driven by curiosity and the desire to explore alternative dietary approaches.

Whether driven by health aspirations, personal experimentation, or influenced by trends, this movement has become a significant dietary choice for many. The decision to adopt a gluten-free lifestyle can be due to a combination of factors ranging from health consciousness and self-perceived gluten intolerance to social and cultural influences.

Gluten-free options are popping up everywhere, from restaurants to supermarkets and even online platforms. It's become a easy for people to stick to this alternative diet. That includes places right here in Michigan. It's important to note that you should always take the time to inquire with restaurant staff about their gluten-free meal preparations. Things like ownership, menus, and cooking methods can constantly shift, so it's worth double-checking to be on the safe side.

If you're on the hunt for some gluten-free restaurants in Michigan, we compiled a list of places for you to check out.

TRU Pizza Co., formerly known as Renee's Gourmet Pizzeria is one gluten-free option. This eatery goes above and beyond to cater to those with dietary restrictions and allergies. They create a 100% safe eating environment with absolutely no cross-contact with gluten. Plus, they use only gluten-free and gourmet ingredients. You can find all the details about their allergy list, the ingredients they use, and the ones they steer clear of on their website. They have two locations, one in Troy and another in Plymouth.

In Westland, Mr. Mike's Grill is a fantastic gluten-free restaurant option. They have a separate prep space and offer a wide range of gluten-free dishes, including pancakes, burgers, and fries. One of the owners has Celiac Disease, so they take pride in providing a safe and positive dining experience for gluten-free patrons. Their menu is the largest in the area and is prepared with the utmost care, ensuring no cross-contamination.

If you happen to be in downtown Detroit, make sure to make a pit stop at Breadless. This amazing eatery is completely gluten-free and even offers plant-based choices. They firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their neighborhood, should have access to healthy, low-carb, and gluten-free meals. You can enjoy their flavorful jerk city chicken wraps, as well as unique items like the Chardi B, which features chicken and a  cilantro avocado sauce. If you can't make it to downtown Detroit, you'll be happy to hear that they will be opening another location soon in Rochester Hills.

At Elephant Room, they're all about inclusivity. That's why their menu has something for everyone, including those with dietary restrictions. Their owner, who happens to be Celiac, has made sure that they offer a delicious variety of gluten-free options. From their tasty French Dip on a gluten-free bun to their homemade root vegetable chips.