Gourmet Gas Station on Staten Island Redefines Convenience Food
At first glance, the Shell station on Victoria Boulevard and Seneca Avenue in Staten Island seems just like any other fuel stop in New York City’s heavily trafficked area. Yet, behind its typical exterior is something special—Italo and Gerardo Perito’s unique establishment.
Once you enter the unassuming mini-mart, you’re greeted by a menu that feels impressively upscale for a gas station. This father-son duo offers handmade lasagna, buffalo mozzarella, hefty meatballs, and various other gourmet dishes. It’s a delightful upgrade from the usual fast food fare, where pizza sits under a heating lamp all day.
Herold, who works with the Peritos, mentioned, “Most gas stations in America don’t have this kind of food,” as she prepared for her day. “We make mozzarella every day.” Italo, originally from Salerno, Italy, brought his traditional work ethic when he arrived in New York in 2001, rising early to cook and prep fresh meals daily. The bagels, for instance, are baked throughout the day and served with cream cheese made in-house.
Fresh To Go, which opened just a few months ago, takes cues from Italy’s renowned Autogrill model—where you can enjoy quality meals similar to what you’d find at a sit-down restaurant.
Gerardo noted that they were inspired to start this business after the landlord’s son-in-law traveled to Italy and fell in love with the concept.
This distinctive focus on quality has allowed the gas station to garner a loyal following in Staten Island, a place where culinary reputation matters immensely. They’ve already cultivated a base of regular customers who know what they enjoy.
Increasingly, gas station food is gaining a reputation for being more than just a quick snack. Many establishments, including Fresh To Go, are stepping into the spotlight with delicious and innovative offerings. For example, the Kosher Service Stop Zoom in Borough Park serves fresh bagels and lox alongside kugel and gefilte fish, attracting diverse crowds.
Across the Bronx, Alfred’s Old Style Pizzeria dishes out fresh pizzas and sandwiches, while Smacking Burger in Manhattan has been named one of the top gas station restaurants in the country, featuring elevated items like a truffle burger.
Tommy Hondros, who owns Smacking Burger, shared his vision of recapturing that nostalgic essence of gas stations, emphasizing the community-focused dining experience.
This culinary trend isn’t just limited to New York. Across the Hudson, chains like Wawa are changing the way people view gas station meals in places like New Jersey. Midwest chefs like Andrew Zimmern are also diving into this world, bringing innovative dishes to gas stations.
At Fresh To Go, Italo and Gerardo have crafted a unique menu filled with comforting Italian classics, including lasagna and arancini. The store even offers Italian imports, making it feel like a mini Eataly within a fuel stop.
Ultimately, the aim of Fresh To Go is to elevate the experience of filling up—not just your car, but your appetite as well. As customers step inside, they often get a pleasant surprise, discovering that this gas station is so much more than they expected.
