A Pennsylvania food feud continues between Delaware County-based Wawa and Altoona-based Sheetz, even with the recent death of Sheetz CEO Stephen G. Sheetz, writes Emily Bloch for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The 77-year-old Sheetz led the family-owned business from 1984 to 1995, then served as chairman of the board for nearly 20 years.
Under his watch, Sheetz saw rapid expansion that put it into competition with Wawa, which had its own expansion plans underway.
The rivalry between the two convenience store chains is largely fan-fueled, as Wawa customers enthusiastically defend their hoagies, coffee, and other Wawa foods against the burgers, hot dogs, and mozzarella sticks put up by “Sheetz Freakz.”
It has inspired political commentary, viral moments, and a documentary.
For their part, the leadership of Wawa and Sheetz has never stated publicly that they were in competition and have even worked together on worthy causes.
For Stephen Sheetz, the family offered kind words.
“Above all, Uncle Steve was the center of our family,” Sheetz president and CEO Travis Sheetz said in a statement. “We are so deeply grateful for his leadership, vision, and steadfast commitment to our employees, customers, and communities.”
Read more about the convenience store legacy left behind by Stephen G. Sheetz in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Editor’s Note: This post was initially published on DELCO.Today in January 2026.
