Ohio is preparing to open its 25th Sheetz store, this one located in South Zanesville. While the site is still covered with a tarp of dirt and the steel frame of the building is only just begingin to form a skeleton, the store is on the fast track to becoming the area’s newest fueling station and convenience store.

People in the area are already chattering with interest, according to Monica Jones, a Sheetz spokesperson.

“We usually get calls when there are rumors that we are coming to an area, but we can’t officially say anything until a site is on the construction schedule,” Jones told the Zanesville Times Recorder. “And this is on the schedule. Construction started in early August. It usually takes about three months.”

The store is tentatively scheduled to open in early December, with a flag raising, a ribbon cutting and food sampling all part of the opening festivities.

“We’ll have a soft opening, to let the employees get their legs under them, and we’ll also be making a charitable contribution to a use-oriented community organization,” Jones said.

The store is expected to employ 35, she said.

The 5,000-square-foot unit is scheduled to have six fueling stations. The company has also been experimenting with a food ordering system at the pump to allow customers quicker access to the chain’s MTO menu.

“That size of store is pretty much standard, but this will be our newer store model,” Jones said. “We hope people will see the sign down there and know we are coming.”