Good coffee is increasingly found in unexpected places—specifically, gas stations and convenience stores rather than just trendy cafes. In Denton, Texas, for instance, a food truck behind a Shell station is now home to some of the area’s best lattes, according to a recent piece by The Dallas Observer.
The article highlights Flower Shop Coffee Company, which has gained attention for its unique coffee flavors like pecan pie and s’mores. Despite its location offering no seating, it’s considered a “hidden gem” with seasonal offerings like gingerbread toast crunch.
This trend isn’t limited to Denton; it’s part of a larger movement throughout the United States. Chains like Wawa and Buc-ee’s are redefining what gas station coffee can be, challenging the notion that good coffee must come from cafes.
Across various states—including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Kentucky—more businesses are taking the leap into gas stations, moving away from traditional coffee shop settings. Stephanie Summers Meyer, who operates Pickle & Perk, a craft coffee shop in a former gas station in Missouri, noted that such locations are already part of people’s everyday routines. “When you bring something thoughtful, people seem to notice right away.”
Interestingly, Summers Meyer pointed out that choosing unconventional spots doesn’t always equate to lower prices. “We didn’t coast on location or trend,” she remarked, emphasizing that their space had a history which helped establish a quality reputation.
In Rhode Island, the Abitz Village Gas Chain has collaborated with local businesses, transforming their stations into centers for small food ventures. Brewology recently opened a second coffee shop in partnership with them. Meanwhile, the Sturbridge Coffee House in Massachusetts launched a new location inside a Noble gas station, providing handcrafted drinks in a convenience-focused atmosphere.
In locations like Dayton, Kentucky, former service stations, like Elliott Coffee, have emerged, with owner Elijah Knapp enjoying the community feel of being tucked away. In Wareham, Massachusetts, an old gas station has become the Blue Foot Cafe, which offers a unique Hawaiian-style coffee experience crafted by Katie Gallagher.
Connor VanBuskirk, owner of Upshot Coffee Brake Shop in St. Charles, Missouri, mentioned his motivation to create something different after getting tired of the same old chains. He acknowledged it took effort to train new baristas but felt it was worth it, especially as people began to come from the city to try what they offered.
