A longtime Hatfield Township diner may be making way for made-to-order hoagies as Sheetz plans to take over the recently vacated space.
Zoto’s Diner, located at 1100 Bethlehem Pike, closed Oct. 25 after 53 years in business.
“It is a very emotional time for us all, and we will truly miss spending breakfast, lunch and dinner with so many of you who feel more like family than customers,” the owners wrote in a Facebook post.
Sheetz has had its sights set on the property for some time.
The Hatfield Township Board of Commissioners approved Sheetz’s liquor license transfer request in July. Developers later presented site plans for the proposed convenience store, restaurant, drive-thru and fuel center during a September township workshop meeting.
The developers must secure additional approvals from Hatfield Township, PennDOT and Hilltown Township before receiving final land development approval.
Sheetz, known for its friendly rivalry with Wawa, offers an extensive menu of made-to-order food and drinks.
Popular choices include the Big Mozz burger, chicken shnuggetz, French toast sticks, mac n’ cheese bites and customizable taco boxes. Breakfast sandwiches, wraps, salads and specialty drinks are also available. Sheetz also features signature coffee blends and milkshakes to complement its menu.
Customers can order in-store, for curbside pickup or, in select markets, for delivery through the Sheetz app or third-party services.
Bob Sheetz opened his first store on 5th Avenue in Altoona in 1952, spotting a gap in his community. His brother Steve joined in 1969 to help expand the business, and by 1972, the chain had 14 stores and added self-service gasoline, turning a hometown dream into a growing legend.
Sheetz now operates over 800 stores across the U.S., most open 24/7, with locations in Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
The project remains in the planning stages, with construction yet to begin. Visit the Sheetz website and follow along on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates.
Whatnow Philadelphia reached out to Sheetz. This article may be updated.
