CLARION, Pa. (EYT) – Sheetz on East Main Street in Clarion will close on Friday to make way for a new store to be constructed in the same spot.

A company representative said the closing date was bumped up to get work done in time for the new Sheetz store to open before the 2018 Autumn Leaf Festival.

Company officials believe the new store could be open as early as mid-August, depending on the weather or other delays.

“The existing Sheetz store, a two-story house, a one-story block garage, and many structures and properties are to be demolished,” said Clarion County Engineer Kevin Reichard.

“A new 4,772 square foot Sheetz store building is to be constructed which will be in the same approximate location as the existing building and also will be rotated 90 degrees clockwise.”

A total of 44 parking spaces will be added, and the expansion includes additional property purchased by Sheetz behind the current store.

Virtually, all existing structures on the parcel will be torn down.

“While the current store offers our entire menu/food selection, the current layout makes that more difficult,” said Nick Ruffner, Sheetz Public Relations Manager.

“The new store’s layout and organization will make it much easier for our staff to handle our extensive menu.”

Another big change for the Clarion location is that it will be selling beer for the first time. Sheetz purchased an expired liquor license from Madison Township in Clarion County at an auction by the PLCB.