WHEELING - Two landmark businesses are set to meet the wrecking ball to make way for an expansion of the thriving Sledd Company, a convenience store regional distributor headquartered in the Elm Grove neighborhood of Wheeling.
According to Robert M. Sincavich, president of the Sledd Co., an agreement has been reached for his company to purchase six adjacent acres of property on East Cove Avenue for future expansion of warehousing operations in Elm Grove.
The property targeted for purchase currently houses the Elm Grove Bowling Lanes and the Foggy Bottom Fun Center. The property transfer is expected to occur by Sept. 30.
"Our continued growth and success has created a need for our company to expand its warehousing operations and this parcel is well-suited to meeting that need. All the employees of Sledd are justifiably proud of the success we have achieved in serving our customers, and as we look to an even more successful future, we need to consider how best to expand our operations."
The Sledd Company currently operates with 225 employees, up from about 100 workers since the late 1990s. The expansion is likely to lead to additional employment opportunities, Sincavich said.
Meanwhile, Meta Lasch and Rich Deenis, owners of the property said it is a bittersweet time for them.
"After 50 years of bowling and 16 years of miniature golf, we will truly miss the delight in our customers' eyes, the smiling faces of the children, and the friends we have had the opportunity to serve."
The Elm Grove Bowling Lanes has been a fixture in the Elm Grove community, serving several generations of families throughout the area.
Sincavich said the Sledd Co. hopes to "expand our footprint" in the community and build on its existing success.
"Once the contract is signed and we have a better idea of our expansion plan, we will make more information available," he added.
"We look forward to developing an expansion plan for the property and are confident of the support of both local and state officials in ensuring the continued success of Sledd as a significant West Virginia employer and the continued personal success of our employees."
Sledd Co. is a $450 million distributor serving convenience store, cigarette/tobacco stores and other wholesale customers in five states from its facility in Elm Grove. Sledd operates 24 hours a day, five days a week and serves its customers via a fleet of 40 vehicles.
