Earl Springer is credited with initiating the food concept that evolved into Sheetz's signature Made To Order (MTO) line.
The Genesis of Made To Order (MTO) at Sheetz
In 1986, facing the challenge of lagging sales, Earl Springer, then the manager of a Sheetz convenience store located in Williamsport, Maryland, took the initiative to develop a new food service approach. This innovative concept, which allowed customers to customize their food orders, laid the foundation for what would become the immensely popular and distinctive MTO offering across all Sheetz locations.
Key Details of MTO's Inception
The development of the MTO system marked a significant turning point for Sheetz, transforming its food service model from a standard grab-and-go into a customizable experience.
- Innovator: Earl Springer
- Year of Development: 1986
- Location: Sheetz store in Williamsport, Maryland
- Motivation: To boost declining sales and enhance the customer experience.
- Impact: Revolutionized Sheetz's food offerings, making MTO a cornerstone of their brand identity and a key differentiator in the convenience store market.
What is Sheetz MTO?
Sheetz's Made To Order (MTO) system empowers customers to custom-build their meals and snacks through touch-screen kiosks, providing a vast array of options from sandwiches and salads to coffee and smoothies. This approach delivers freshness and personalization, distinguishing Sheetz from many competitors.
Here’s a summary of the MTO concept's origin:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pioneer | Earl Springer |
| Organization | Sheetz |
| Year | 1986 |
| Innovation | Made To Order (MTO) food concept |
| Initial Location | Williamsport, Maryland |
| Objective | Improve sales and customer engagement |
Earl Springer's foresight in pursuing this customer-centric food concept has left a lasting legacy, establishing MTO as a fundamental part of the Sheetz brand and a benchmark for convenience store food service.
