Adande at Sheetz
Adande has installed VCS2/CW two drawer refrigerated units at the vast majority of Sheetz outlets and is scheduled to provide equipment for all new stores and remodels.
The installation of Adande units at Sheetz outlets followed nine months of intensive product testing, which included in-store trials at three live locations and the retailer’s head office at Altoona, PA. The tests were supported by Adande’s energy and engineering departments, with the results monitored by store operation staff and chefs from Sheetz. Every aspect of the drawers was assessed to ensure that the product was a good fit for service in Sheetz kitchens and all decisions were based on the potential return on investment.
Increased reliability
Sheetz’s re-evaluation of its refrigeration requirements was prompted by frustration with its existing equipment. The company was experiencing frequent breakdowns and maintenance issues associated with seals, runners, and hinges. Adande’s Global Sales Director, Karl Hodgson, claimed that the proven technology of the Adande products was an obvious choice.
“Adande drawer units are inherently robust and built to withstand the harshest and busiest kitchen environments. There is less wear on the horizontal seals than on the doors of conventional refrigerators, meaning that seals need replacing infrequently – they are guaranteed for two years. The durable metal drawer runners are designed to protect against the moisture and freezing issues associated with conventional fridges and freezers.”
Another advantage of the Adande design is the positioning of the condenser inside the unit, rather than the exterior positioning on traditional upright refrigerators. This ensures that Adande’s self-cleaning condenser, with its air flow pattern, is isolated from the dust, debris, and food particles, which frequently cause compressor failure on conventional equipment.

Who is Sheetz?
Sheetz is a major player in the USA convenience retailing sector, with 615 locations across 365 cities, satisfying the growing demand for food on the move. Over 46% of the outlets are in Pennsylvania, but the company also operates sites in Maryland, Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. The company’s operations combine convenience retailing, dine-in facilities, and food to go with nearly all of them also selling gasoline. Sheetz offers all of the freshly prepared, made to order meals you would expect from a fast food chain, including subs, sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, chicken, panini, pizza, and drinks. The company also enjoys a reputation for its innovative specialty meals, particularly its ‘walking tacos’, which allow customers to enjoy the Mexican classic, while on the move, but without the associated mess. Sheetz is understandably proud of the enthusiasm and loyalty of its customer base.

Improved food quality
During the extensive trial period Sheetz addressed the issue of food quality and extended storage periods as another area for a return on its investment. Chris Havice stated:
“The Adande drawer design and humidity system deliver accurate and stable temperatures which help ensure food quality and freshness for longer, reducing the amount of product we have to throw away. With conventional freezers, temperature fluctuation occurs when the door is opened frequently or left open accidentally. These variations in temperature have a negative effect on the quality and longevity of ingredients.”
Compact energy saving solution
Kitchen floor space in food to go operations is notoriously tight and the large capacity of the Adande unit, relative to its footprint, has enabled the retailer to make better use of its workspace. Sheetz Manager of Store Services, Chris Havice, explained: “The unique horizontal design of the Adande gives us 60% more storage space in the same floor area. This has allowed us to dispense with an ancillary freezer, which we used previously in our kitchens. This has led to savings in capital expenditure and energy costs associated with the extra piece of kit.”
Chris Havice has reported that the Adande units are demonstrating a 32% reduction in energy consumption, compared with the equipment used previously, delivering a further return on investment. These savings are achieved by Adande’s unique insulated ‘Hold the Cold’ horizontal container design, which ensures that heavier cold air is retained within the drawer, no matter how frequently it is opened.
Karl Hodgson commented that the lengthy product trials with Sheetz and the roll out of Adande units across the retailer’s estate further highlight the credentials of Adande technology: “An increasing number of forward thinking operators are specifying Adande as the refrigeration solution of choice for improved food quality, cost savings, operational benefits and sustainability. Our ‘Hold the Cold’ technology has been taken up in food retailing and foodservice environments worldwide. Our growth has been very strong across North America, where we are now supplying our innovative refrigeration equipment to at least five of the leading convenience food chains in the USA.”