Photo by Shelley Hanson Moundsville Sheetz Store Manager Lauren Hall uses giant scissors to cut the ceremonial ribbon during the gas station and store’s opening day on Thursday.

MOUNDSVILLE — After weeks of watching construction and waiting, Moundsville-area residents can now shop at the new Sheetz gas station.

A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Thursday at the new station, located at 209 Lafayette Ave., Moundsville.

A large crowd showed up for the event, which included Sheetz making donations of $2,500 to the Mountaineer Food Bank and Special Olympics West Virginia. There were also gift card drawings that attracted dozens of people. WOMP FM was also on hand for the event and conducted merchandise drawings.

Local dignitaries in attendance included Moundsville City Manager Rick Healy, Moundsville Mayor Randy Chamberlain, Marshall County Administrator Betsy Frohnapfel and Marshall County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Scott Reager.

Moundsville resident Doug Brown was inside checking out everything the new station had to offer, including food and drinks. He was pleased that Sheetz opened in his city.

“It’s something new for Moundsville and I think it’s going to turn out good,” Brown said. “I’ve been to several Sheetz before so (the size) is about normal for their regular stores. … Stop down and enjoy the store.”

The store was giving out free drinks for opening day. Although the gasoline was not free, the first-day price was listed at $3.89 per gallon for regular unleaded.

Brown added he would like to see another new restaurant open next in the city, a buffet like Golden Corral.

Before the ribbon cutting, Healy said having a large-chain gas station and store come to Moundsville is a huge deal for the city.

“We thought for a long time that Sheetz could come to Moundsville,” he said. “We believe it’s going to be successful here. When we were finally able to meet with them and make it happen it was a huge win for us.

“We’re glad to have them here and we welcome them with open arms. The whole process went very smooth with the corporate office and construction. So we’re really glad to have them in Moundsville.

“When we met with the owners of the property early on, there was some additional work that needed done to get the project sealed. The county and the city worked together to provide funding to help close that gap. We were happy to do it, and welcome Sheetz to the neighborhood,” he added.

Chamberlain said it was exciting to have the store finally open.

“The people have been anxious for it to open and we’ve been watching as we drive by every day … and today is the day,” he said. “It’s just a great event for Moundsville, for our people. They love Sheetz and this is a beautiful facility. I was in yesterday with my wife and my son and it has good food and it’s a real nice operation. It’s great to have them with us.”

Reager said it was great to have another new business operating in the city.

“I think they will do very well,” he said. “You can tell by the crowd size today with people getting gas and eating. I know the young people like to stop in and eat all the time at Sheetz so I think they will do very well here in Moundsville and Marshall County.”

Reager said he hopes Sheetz will join the chamber in the future.

“We’re here to support them,” he added.

Frohnapfel said the county is excited to see the station and store open. She also noted it would provide additional tax revenue for the city along with new jobs for residents.

Other local Sheetz locations are in Wheeling and at The Highlands in Ohio County.