BUTLER TWP — A former Sheetz store is being reborn as a dollar store at the intersection of Freeport and Saxonburg roads.

Leslie and Vicky Chitu of Butler Township partnered with Danny Porter of Center Township to open Les & Danny's Dollar Tree at the former home of Sheetz, which relocated across the intersection to a bigger store.

Leslie Chitu, 58, the maintenance director at nearby Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, said he wanted to stay busy once he eventually retires.

“We don't have a hobby,” Chitu jokingly said about Porter and himself.

Porter, 63, who works with Chitu in the Sunnyview maintenance department, already set his retirement for the end of the year.

Both men have worked 15 years for Sunnyview.

Chitu said the store will be a combination dollar store, grocery store and convenience store, selling hot food among its fare.

Vicky Chitu said organic, homemade food will be cooked daily for patrons.

The owners hope to open the store in January.

“Depending on weather,” Vicky Chitu said.

Contractor Struxures of Seneca in Venango County began construction this week, digging up part of the parking lot to make room for a building expansion.

Chitu said the building size will be more than doubled, totaling 9,500 square feet.

The groups formed a business, Les & Danny Real Estate, to buy the building and nearly 3 acres for nearly $1 million from the family who formerly leased the land to Sheetz.

They bought the property two years ago, so Sheetz was paying the rent to them for the last two years.

Chitu explained Sheetz wanted to ensure its new site took hold with customers before abandoning the old location.

The owners agreed they want their new venture to provide convenience for people in the area.

“I think that will be good for the community,” Chitu said.

He said their plan has drawn some naysayers.

“Some people think we're crazy,” he said. “It's a risk. (But) risk is a part of life.”

The owners say they aren't looking to make a mint, just have a sustainable business that benefits the community.

Vicky Chitu credited her husband with the concept.

“He's the one with the idea,” she said.

Porter pointed out discount stores are popular with shoppers.

“Dollar stores always have cars in their parking lots,” he said.

Before Sheetz built its structure 20 years ago, a Shop 'n Save grocery store was located there until moving into the city.