Taco Bell planned at former Sheetz site in Plum

A new Taco Bell location seems to be on the way in Plum.

Developers submitted an application to the borough’s planning commission to build a franchise location of the popular chain at the site of the former Sheetz on Golden Mile Highway.

The one-acre site has sat vacant since 2024, when Sheetz closed its doors after moving about a mile up the road to its current location at Presque Isle Drive. The gas station-convenience store had operated at the site since 1991.

The proposed Taco Bell would be operated by Tennessee-based Charter Foods, a franchising company that owns hundreds of A&W, KFC, Long John Silver’s and Taco Bell restaurants in more than a dozen states.

Monroeville-based Toro Development Company has owned the plot since 1981. A company official declined to comment on the project.

Karpinski Engineering, based in Cleveland, will head up the design of the restaurant.

Engineer Fritz Alderman said it normally takes three to four months to ready a new location after the typical review process.

Alderman said he’s glad to bring a “vibrant business” back the previously vacant corner.

“I think we’re doing right by the area,” he said.

The proposed location would be the first in Plum. The closest current Taco Bells are in Penn Hills, Monroeville and Harmar.

Plum Manager David Soboslay said he expects the applicants to offer testimony about the proposal to the planning commission at its Dec. 15 meeting.

The manager said he’s always happy to see more businesses in the borough.

“We’re always looking to have empty spaces be filled,” Soboslay said.

After the planning commission considers the proposal, Plum Council would have to vote on whether to approve it.