CHESTERFIELD TWP. (WWJ) -- Chesterfield Township rolled out the red carpet on Tuesday for the Sheetz grand opening at 23 Mile Rd. and I-94.
Hundreds turned out for free coffee, discounted fuel, and the chance to win gift cards at the convenience store's first Macomb County location to open its doors.
The company also cut checks to Special Olympics Michigan and Forgotten Harvest, reinforcing its pitch that it's not just another gas station chain.
WWJ's Tim Pamplin asked Sheetz PR director Nick Ruffner what makes the place so popular.
"Our branding is great. We're irreverent, we're funny, we're on social media having conversations with people," Ruffner said. "But what keeps people coming back is the consistency. We are committed to being a good neighbor in every community where our stores operate, and that's been a consistent thing for us."
Later Tuesday evening, however, Pamplin reports Sheetz would be under the microscope in Oakland County's Waterford Township, where officials are considering a rezoning request to clear the way for a Sheetz near the airport.
Waterford neighbors have raised concerns about traffic and safety, and the township has already rejected one Sheetz proposal in the past.
Sheetz says its goal is to build 60 new Michigan stores within the next five years.
The Chesterfield Township location, added to two stores in Romulus, brings to three the total now open in Metro Detroit.