Sheetz is opening its first-ever location in the Wilmington area this week, according to a news release.

The gas station and convenience store chain will begin welcoming customers Tuesday to its location at 17000 U.S. 17 in Hampstead.

According to the release, grand opening festivities will begin outside the store at 9 a.m. with prizes awarded. The store’s official ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for 10:45 a.m.

The Hampstead location, which opens to the public at 8 a.m., will also welcome customers by offering free self-serve coffee and soda for the entire grand opening day, the release stated.

In honor of this grand opening, Sheetz will donate $2,500 to Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.

"Customers attending the grand opening are encouraged to donate a non-perishable food item to the nonprofit," according to the release. "Those who donate will receive a Sheetz-branded item; limit one per customer while supplies last from 9-11 a.m."

A second donation of $2,500 will also be presented to the Special Olympics of North Carolina.

Sheetz is also close to opening its 2435 Independence Blvd. location in Wilmington and has other stores planned in the area.