Ground is expected to be broken on a Sheetz convenience store at Lantz Corners early next month.

“This has been an area of interest for us for some time and we are really looking forward to serving the Kane and Mount Jewett communities, along with travelers on Routes 219 and 6,” said Nick Ruffner, Sheetz spokesman.

Earlier this year, a public utility issue delayed construction, but now the project is moving forward. The store, projected to open in late September 2018, will be 5,490 square feet with the ability to fuel 10 cars at one time, Ruffner said. Also, the facility will be able to accommodate eight diesel trucks at the same time.

The store will also have indoor and outdoor seating, and beer sales are in the plans, he said.

“Each new store employs approximately 30 to 35 people,” Ruffner said.

The convenience store will be in direct competition with the Nittany MinitMart, which has been open for several years at the intersection of routes 6 and 219.

Also in McKean County, Sheetz on the corner of East Main Street and Bolivar Drive in Foster Brook started selling beer and malt beverages. The 6,500-square-foot store, which opened in November of 2016, has a full-service drive-through, inside and outside seating and several fueling stations with regular and premium gasoline and diesel.

Sheetz began selling beer permanently in Altoona in 2007.

The convenience store also has locations across the region in Emporium, St. Marys, Ridgway, Port Allegany, Coudersport and Warren.