14 Precautions Pennsylvanians Should Take When Shopping at Sheetz

You can spot a Sheetz regular from a mile away. They’re the ones who order with confidence, grab their snacks in record time, and somehow always manage to snag the last clean booth by the soda machines.

The rest of us?

We’re fumbling at the order kiosk like it’s a NASA launch panel.

There’s no denying Sheetz has built a cult following in Pennsylvania. But navigating that mix of gas station, snack haven, and food court without a game plan is a recipe for things to get messy.

To help you survive your next Sheetz stop like a seasoned pro, here are the precautions every smart shopper should take.

Know the Rush Hour Madness

Sheetz hits a different level of busy during peak times. If you’ve ever waited behind 12 people ordering breakfast burritos and cold brews, you know the pain.

Mornings get swamped with commuters craving stuffed bagel sandwiches and Sizzli rolls.

By midday, high schoolers and construction crews start flooding in for buffalo chicken sliders, pickle chips, and fountain sodas.

And don’t even try going late at night on a Friday—the line for Walking Tacos and deep-fried Oreos rivals anything you’d see at a fairground.

The best way to beat the rush is to aim for those in-between times—late morning or mid-afternoon. If you must go during peak hours, place your order through the Sheetz app to avoid some of the chaos.

Don’t Ignore the Secret Menu (Yes, It Exists)

Want to level up your Sheetz experience? Try customizing beyond the basic MTO options.

While there’s no official “secret menu,” regulars have discovered hacks—like building a mac-and-cheese burger with Boom Boom Sauce, or ordering a quesadilla stuffed with tots and bacon crumble.

Some even mix milkshake flavors like banana and peanut butter to recreate nostalgic tastes.

Just remember to be courteous. Don’t hold up the line if the staff is swamped.

And be realistic—if you want your grilled chicken panini to include mozzarella sticks inside the sandwich, maybe check if the Sheetz staff is feeling creative that day.

Be Cautious With the Gift Card Rack

Those hanging gift cards near the Sheetz checkout counter look harmless. But like any store that sells gift cards, they’re prone to scams.

Criminals sometimes lift codes or tamper with the barcode stickers. You might load $50 onto a card, only to find out it was emptied before you ever left the store.

If you’re picking up a Sheetz gift card or something for a birthday (like Xbox, Amazon, or Netflix), check that the packaging is intact.

Better yet, purchase digital versions directly from brand websites.

Don’t Trust the Touchscreen

That big red touchscreen seems harmless… until you think about how many unwashed fingers have jabbed it before yours.

Sheetz is open 24/7, which means the ordering screen sees a nonstop parade of hands all day and night.

So, if you’re planning to devour a Bacon Ranch Flatbread Melt or dig into a spicy Boom Boom Chicken Wrap, consider wiping down your fingers after ordering before you dig into your meal.

Don’t Let Your Eyes Order for You

Those massive food photos on the Sheetz touchscreen are designed to hijack your willpower.

You may walk in planning to grab just a bottle of Sheetz-branded spring water and a protein bar, but one look at the image of a double-smoked brisket sandwich with melty provolone and crispy onion straws will have your stomach overriding your brain.

And then the jalapeño poppers come calling. Then the fried mac bites. Then the peanut butter chocolate milkshake with whipped cream and drizzle.

Before you know it, you’ve got a meal that could feed three.

Our advice? Stick to a mental list or set a spending cap before walking into Sheetz, especially if you’re shopping while hungry.

Watch Out at the Drink Station

The Sheetz soda fountain might as well come with a splash warning.

Between customers testing flavor mixes, kids yanking levers, and ice dispensers that overflow, the area around the drink station often turns into a slippery and sticky puddle zone.

Can you imagine how it’d be if the staff weren’t cleaning it throughout the day?

Proceed with caution near the drink station. Use a lid, wipe down your cup, and avoid setting anything down on the ledge unless you want to risk it getting soaked in root beer foam.

Always Ask for a Receipt

Receipts might seem old school. But at Sheetz, they’re still your best backup.

It’s easy for orders to get mixed up when the kitchen is churning out BBQ chicken sandwiches, pepperoni flatbreads, and spicy grilled cheese melts all at once.

If your Boom Boom Sauce was missing or you got someone else’s jalapeño cheddar dog, that paper receipt helps sort things out quickly with the staff.

Receipts also come in handy for tracking purchases, especially if you’re using a company card during road trips.

Some Sheetz locations even let you earn loyalty points or rewards when you scan your receipt into the app.

Check Expiration Dates on Packaged Items

Shelf-stable snacks usually rotate fast at Sheetz. But like any store, mistakes can happen.

If you’re grabbing yogurt parfaits, pre-packed sushi, or the likes, flip them over and peek at the expiration date.

Even fan favorites like the Sheetz-brand sub rolls with turkey and cheddar can sometimes overstay their welcome in the fridge.

Dairy-based items like chocolate milk or cold brew lattes are especially important to double-check, and that goes double if you’re shopping during off-peak hours when fewer people are grabbing cold goods.

Skip the Gas Station Window Wash Water

That blue goo in the bucket next to the Sheetz pump? It’s not as helpful as it looks.

It may seem like a good time to scrub off those dirt spots while your tank fills, but the squeegee water is often questionable unless you’re the first to use the bucket.

Mud, bugs, and whatever leaked from someone’s windshield wiper fluid often end up in there.

You’re better off grabbing Sheetz-brand cleaning wipes if your windshield needs a touch-up. Or hit the car wash station for a full refresh.

Many Sheetz locations have drive-thru car washes that do a better job anyway.

Avoid Parking Near the Air Pump

At first, the spot by the free air station seems like a clever choice—close to the entrance, easy to zip in and out.

But that area’s a hotbed of vehicle congestion and sudden stops.

People in a rush to pump up their tires aren’t always watching for pedestrians with mac bites in hand. Others wait in line to use the air pump, creating traffic standstills that can back up into the gas lanes.

You’re better off parking near the side or rear lot of Sheetz and enjoying a calmer walk to the entrance.

Plus, it gives you more time to scope out the snack deals posted near the doors.

Keep an Eye on Your Car at the Pump

Sheetz parking lots are typically safe. But that doesn’t mean you should leave valuables in plain sight while you grab a cinnamon roll or iced matcha.

Car break-ins can happen anywhere, and a purse, phone, or laptop on the seat is a welcome sign for thieves. Even if you’re stepping inside for just a Minute Muffin or cold brew, always lock your car and keep items out of view.

And while pumping gas, stay off your phone.

It’s easy to zone out, but distraction makes you an easier target.

Don’t Go Wild With Add-Ons

The customization options at Sheetz are part of the fun. But they can also be your downfall.

It starts with your chicken tender sub. Then you add Boom Boom Sauce, banana peppers, crispy onions, extra cheddar, and maybe a scoop of mashed potatoes on the side. It’s creative, sure—but it can also add up fast in calories and cost.

Not to mention that some combos don’t mix well together.

Just because you can add pickles to your walking taco doesn’t mean you should.

Keep it balanced and use moderation when adding extras. Your wallet—and your stomach—will thank you later.

Mind the Bathroom Situation

Sheetz bathrooms are generally clean, but timing matters.

If you hit the restroom right after a baseball team just piled out of a van and raided the frozen Slushie machine, prepare for chaos.

Expect paper towels everywhere, water on the sink, and soap dispensers working overtime.

If you’re particular about cleanliness, go before you arrive or try a different gas station without three tourist buses sitting at the entrance.

Don’t Block the MTO Pickup Counter

Standing directly in front of Sheetz’s pickup counter like you’re waiting for a famous singer to come out on stage isn’t the right move.

Other folks are trying to grab their orders, and the Sheetz staff works hard to hand things out efficiently.