6. Sheetz is opening a tech and innovation hub at Bakery Square on Oct. 1. The Altoona-based convenience store will use the space to develop and test products that we could one day find on shelves at Sheetz. “Our mission at Sheetz is to create a business that puts the Sheetz as we know it today, out of business,” AVP of Strategy Emily Sheetz said in a statement. She called the hub "an investment in the future," adding that it will "give Sheetz a unique opportunity to access developers and other talent in Pittsburgh.” The company has tested Bitcoin kiosks, released two craft beers and offers electric vehicle charging stations in many locations. – PITTSBURGH BUSINESS TIMES

Full disclosure: I am a certified #SheetzFreak and am currently curating this newsletter from a Pittsburgh area Sheetz location.