A new Sheetz location in Ashburn is projected to open this summer, within a mile from Stone Bridge, giving Bulldogs a new option for possible gas and food needs.
Many members of the school community have driven past the construction site on Belmont Ridge Road, watching the development of the popular franchise, with recent progress being more noticeable than ever.
The anticipation for Sheetz is high for many teenagers who hangout at gas stations or become regulars at stops for a quick snack. With the opening of the new gas station getting closer, there is more debate over if the close proximity to the school will cause Bulldogs to switch away from their favorite gas stations.
“My friends and I sometimes go to gas stations after we go out but it’s always a drive to get there,” senior Eva Komatz said. “I’m looking forward to the Sheetz opening because it’s so much closer we would be able to walk if it’s nice out or go more often since it’s not as much as a drive.”
The opening of Sheetz introduces a new competitor into the mix, although some loyal fans may not be willing to switch favorites. Although it may be the furthest distance from the school, Wawa has built a reputation with enthusiasts who are not planning on switching up, even with the convenience of the new Sheetz. With the finish line seeming so close, Bulldogs are starting to wonder how Sheetz will fit into the current rotation of gas stations.
“I’m not excited about the new gas station being a Sheetz because Wawa is just so much better,” senior Kate McCarthy said. “I am a Wawa superfan, I have a Wawa merch and I think their food is better than other gas stations and overall the vibes are just better.”
As of now, the local chain, Filling Co, seems to be the hangout spot for not only Bulldogs but students at schools across the county. With two locations, one on each side of the Stone Bridge community, students go to both locations for the food and the experience.
“I’ve only ever gotten food at Filling Co and Wawa,” junior Nivaeh Raffenbeul said. “I’m pretty hyped for the opening of another bougie gas station near us. I know a lot of people hangout at Filling Co so I am curious to see if people will switch to hanging out at Sheetz when it opens.”
Even if some Bulldogs already know they aren’t going to be visiting Sheetz regularly, the opening provides a new opportunity for community members who haven’t yet had the opportunity to experience Sheetz.
Sheetz, known for their made-to-order food, touchscreen ordering systems, and 24-hour service, offers many of the same features that teenagers have come to love about Filling Co and Wawa, making the competition pretty even for those who are unbiased towards just one.
“I think when the Sheetz opens a lot of kids will hang out there,” junior Abby Krantz said. “Especially because it is so close to the school, I can see teams going after practice or groups stopping by after school events, building the same kind of vibe as Filling Co just closer.
“After games and practices sometimes my friends and I would drive to Filling Co to get food,” senior Kaylee Thomas said. “The energy was always really high with fun music playing in the car and it was just a fun opportunity to spend time with my teammates. I don’t think the location was as important as the experience of getting to be around my friends who I enjoy being with, it was more just about being together.”
As the summer opening approaches, students are watching closely to see if Sheetz will live up to expectations—or possibly even exceed them. Whether it becomes the new go-to spot or another occasional stop, its arrival is sure to change up some Bulldog’s routines.
