Sheetz brings shnackz to Baltimore County. Can it compete with Royal Farms?

Can Pennsylvania chain Sheetz hack it in RoFo country?

The Altoona-based gas station will open its first location in Baltimore County on Thursday, a development as sure to excite its hardcore “fanz” as it is to ruffle feathers among those loyal to locally-owned Royal Farms.

On opening day at the new branch at 10499 Campbell Blvd. in Middle River, customers can grab free self-serve coffee and soda. The company will also give out branded swag to those who bring in nonperishable food items to donate to the Maryland Food Bank.

The eatery will feature a “made-to-order” menu with items including burgers topped with mozzarella sticks available around the clock.

A release notes Sheetz was named a Best Regional Fast Food chain by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice travel awards. RoFo enthusiasts might take the occasion to remind them that Royal Farms was recently named Best Gas Station for Food in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice awards.

Wawa has also been making inroads in the Baltimore region, which is also home to competitors like High’s.

Amid the rise of electric vehicles, gas station chains like Sheetz are increasingly emphasizing their food and retail offerings. A release about the opening of the newest Sheetz describes it as “a major Mid-Atlantic restaurant and convenience chain” but does not mention gas. It’s just the latest pivot for the gas station industry. Many large chains, including Sheetz, Wawa, High’s and Royal Farms, all grew out of former dairy operations that delivered milk door-to-door.

Sheetz operates more than 750 store locations across Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan and Maryland. All locations operate 24/7.

Another Sheetz location is planned for Bel Air, though the company has not laid out a timeline.