Pennsylvania’s highly contested Sheetz versus Wawa debate is coming to Elizabethtown.

Wawa has received approval from Mount Joy Township’s Zoning Hearing Board approval from Mount Joy Township after two years. Meanwhile, Sheetz has drawn up plans for a new location close to campus.
After two attempts in three years, Pennmark Management Co. has received approval from the
township’s zoning hearing board to build a shopping center, including a Wawa and an Aldi, along Route 230 between Elizabethtown and Mount Joy boroughs.
The board granted special exceptions for this new build on several conditions, including Pennmark Management to cover the cost of various road improvements. These improvements include new traffic lights and turn lanes, due to the projected 14,000 additional daily vehicle trips the shopping center will add.
“Wawa is a staple that feels like home, always serves consistency, and never disappoints,”
Etown junior Katherine Woodruff said.

Several students expressed their love for Wawa and what it would mean to have one close to campus. Sophomore Wil Gaskins is from Douglassville, Pennsylvania and said Wawa reminds him of his hometown.  

“I’ve grown up stopping at Wawa often to get food with family and friends,” Gaskins said. “My favorite things to get are their iced coffees, lattes, hoagies and mac and cheese. It would be comforting to have one close by.” 

Sheetz is also currently seeking several zoning board approvals to build a new location near Elizabethtown along Route 743. According to their application, the plans consist of demolishing the current building that is home to PizzAtown and Ferrarelli House of Wine. They would build a new store with space for six fuel pumps and an abundance of parking spaces.

According to the township, PizzAtown and Ferrarelli House of Wine are on board with the plan and have their own plans to relocate. The proposal has not yet received final approval.

Some Etown students said they prefer Sheetz over Wawa. 

“I remember getting slushies with my teammates at Sheetz after every soccer game we played,” sophomore Riley Shambach said.“I prefer Sheetz because of their meal deals and low prices, which helps when you’re on a college budget,” sophomore Kylie Schroeder said. “You can get a half foot hoagie, bag of fries and a drink for $4.99.”
Many students said memories and personal connections can often be the deciding factor of where you bring your business as a customer.
“Regardless of what you like more, Wawa or Sheetz, these new locations are going to have an impact on everyone,” Gaskins said.