The Sheetz family owns Pennsylvania-based convenient store chain Sheetz, Inc. Founder G. Robert “Bob” Sheetz purchased one of his father’s several dairy stores in Altoona, Pennsylvania, to create his first convenience store in 1952.
Steve Sheetz, Bob’s brother, joined the company in 1961, and the two brothers worked in partnership to develop a chain of convenience stores over the next two decades, opening 100 stores by the time Bob retired in 1983.
Steve replaced Bob as president and CEO of the company following his retirement. Bob’s son, Stan Sheetz, then replaced Steve as president and CEO in 1995. Under Stan’s leadership, the company found the loophole in Pennsylvania law for serving and selling alcohol by classifying their stores as restaurants in 2007.
However, the license was protested by the Malt Beverage Distributors Association of Pennsylvania, and Sheetz was temporarily barred from offering alcohol sales during the deliberation. Their license was reinstated after Sheetz won on appeal.
Two years later, Sheetz made waves again by petitioning the Supreme Court to allow beer for takeout under strict conditions.
Following family tradition, Bob Sheetz’s nephew, Joseph S. Sheetz, took over as president and CEO in 2013, while Stan took over as chairman of the board.