A convenience store with a dedicated fan base is planning to establish its first location in Wilmington. 

Pennsylvania-based Sheetz submitted plans to the city of Wilmington Monday for a planned store and gas station.  

Proposed at 2435 Independence Blvd., the location would take the place on the corner of Independence and Shipyard boulevards, where Barr Evergreens has long sold its pumpkins and Christmas trees on a seasonal basis. 

Plans call for an approximately 6,100-square-foot store and a fuel canopy. 

“Although it is too early to share details around when this store will open, Sheetz can confirm that we are in the planning stages for a store location along Independence Boulevard,” Nick Ruffner, public relations manager for Sheetz, said in a statement Monday. 

Sheetz has 15 locations in North Carolina, according to a store locator, with the nearest locations being outside of Raleigh. 

“Sheetz's growth plan includes expanding our offerings in markets in close proximity to our current footprint,” Ruffner said. “Wilmington is a great community and we look forward to being the ultimate one-stop-shop for new customers in the Wilmington area as we expand into eastern North Carolina.”

The landowner is Graham-Cameron Land LLC and the vacant lot is zoned regional business. The new store would generate an estimated 7,900 vehicle trips a day, according to the plans.