BRIDGEWATER, Va. – A new Sheetz convenience store and gas station is under construction just off Interstate 81 at Mt. Crawford Exit 240, bringing another fuel, food and convenience option to the area.
The new Sheetz will be located 2.2 miles up Dinkle Avenue towards I-81, just a short four-minute drive or 12-minute bike ride from Bridgewater College, making it an attractive destination for students and locals.
This addition will provide students and faculty with easy access to its offerings. Sheetz is known for its “Made-to-Order” food service available 24/7. They offer a diverse menu that includes customizable sandwiches, salads, breakfast items and specialty beverages. Alongside its reputation as a go-to stop for fuel, snacks and coffee, the new Sheetz will deliver convenience to the Bridgewater community.
“It’s great to have more options for quick food and coffee,” said Bridgewater College sophomore Charlie Bradtburd. “Being so close to campus, it’ll probably become a regular stop for a lot of us.”
The location is also just two minutes away from several established competitors, including an Exxon gas station, a 7-Eleven convenience store, McDonald’s and another big name entering the area, Buc-ee’s, which is also currently under construction nearby.
Bringing Sheetz into this competitive environment will set the stage for a dynamic rivalry in catering to the needs of commuters and students.
Meanwhile, residents and travelers along Interstate 81 will benefit from another accessible pit stop. The convenient location near the Bridgewater exit gives signs that Sheetz will attract significant traffic from those traveling through the Shenandoah Valley corridor, known for its busy highways.
The addition of Buc-ee’s, another large player in the convenience store market, further intensifies the competitive landscape in the area. Famous for its massive stores, clean restrooms, and extensive snack and meal offerings, Buc-ee’s could pose a challenge to Sheetz. However, the Sheetz brand has a large representation in the Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian regions, particularly in Virginia, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, which may help it maintain a strong foothold in Bridgewater.
“I’ll probably check out both, but I feel like Sheetz will be my go-to since it’s closer to campus,” said Bridgewater College sophomore Oscar Whitely. “Buc-ee’s sounds cool with all the food and stuff, but Sheetz has everything I need, and it’s super easy to get to. I’m sure both will be packed though because of where they are at.”
The arrival of both Sheetz and Buc-ee’s is suggestive of commercial growth along the Interstate 81 corridor. With more businesses recognizing the potential of Bridgewater’s location and its proximity to the college, the area may become a hub of activity.
Construction timelines for the new Sheetz have not yet been finalized, but with progress underway, it’s only a matter of time before Bridgewater locals and visitors can enjoy it.
