New store opens today in Wake Forest.           

Sheetz Convenience Restaurants will open its 50th North Carolina store this morning in Wake Forest at 1895 South Franklin Street. 

Executive Vice President Louie Sheetz will cut the ribbon together with the new store team, town and county officials at an 11a.m. grand opening celebration.

The retailer entered North Carolina almost 10 years ago with the plan to develop a strong presence in the state, offering the best in customer service and its signature MTO food and beverage line.  Sheetz is in the middle of a blitz of new store growth that started with the latest stores in Rocky Mount, Wash. and Garner just opening in the last six weeks.

“Today we are at 50 stores and counting in North Carolina, with several more scheduled to open in the coming months,” Sheetz said.   “Customer loyalty and a high-quality employee base are two big reasons we are excited about what North Carolina means to the company’s future.”

The new 6,400-square-foot store will provide an economic boost to the area, creating 40-45 new full and part-time jobs, while adding $3.5 million taxable property value to the city and county tax base.

“Selecting the city of Burlington as the site for our second distribution center is based on the great opportunities for growth this state has to offer and our strong commitment to be here for a long time,” added Sheetz.  The company plans to break ground on that facility later this summer.

Today’s celebration in Wake Forest includes free food and beverages, games and chances for customers to win dozens of prizes.

Sheetz also will make a $2,500 donation to the Special Olympics North Carolina, as part of the grand opening festivities. The company has been proud supporters of the Special Olympics for more than 20 years.

Established in 1952 in Altoona, Pa., Sheetz Inc. operates 438 locations throughout Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio and West Virginia.