Sheetz, one of America’s fastest-growing family-owned and operated convenience retailers for more than 65 years, is proud to announce that is has been named Convenience Store Decisions’ 2017 Chain of the Year—an annual award honoring a convenience chain displaying industry innovation and superior retail experience.

“We are so proud to be recognized by Convenience Store Decisions as the2017 Convenience Store Chain of the Year,” says Sheetz president and CEO Joe Sheetz. “This recognition truly belongs to our employees and to thecustomers who have supported us for the past 65 years. Sheetz would not be the company it is today without great employees and loyal customers.”

The 2017 honor marks Sheetz as the first convenience store in the award’s 28-year history to hold the title for a second year. Sheetz was first honored as Chain of the Year in 1994, after a decade of rapid coastal expansion with thechain spanning 190 locations. Sheetz has since expanded to over 550 locations in six states and in the past year been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, a Top 12 Best Places to Work for Women and Top 35 Best Workplaces for Millennials.

“Sheetz remains a beacon of innovation that every convenience store chain can admire. It is a family-owned business that remains true to its employees and thecommunities it serves,” says John Lofstock, editor-in-chief of Convenience Store Decisions. “Family businesses made this industry what it is today and as long as outstanding companies like Sheetz continue to thrive, the convenience store industry will continue to reach new heights.”

Sheetz remains one of America’s fastest growing family-owned and operated retailers, with eight Sheetz family members spanning three generations currently serving on the Executive Committee, and eight family members holding a role in the business today.