I can't say this is something I've ever found myself ever engaged in but it seems to be prevalent in some corners of the road community. In particular this type of fandom seems heavily centered around Buc-ee's, Sheetz and Wawa. I've all three to be adequate when needed but none of them are something I would go out of my way to visit on a road trip.
Thoughts from the group on gas station fandom? I did regularly visit a Wawa when I was down the street from a newer one on Semoran Boulevard in Orlando because convenient access and relatively cheap gas. Granted this was the same block as the infamous Suncoast Energies and there was a decent gas station until Conway Road. I wasn't a huge fan of the sandwiches at Wawa and they certainly weren't competitive with the Publix deli around the corner.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 22, 2022, 06:43:25 PM
I can't say this is something I've ever found myself ever engaged in but it seems to be prevalent in some corners of the road community. In particular this type of fandom seems heavily centered around Buc-ee's, Sheetz and Wawa. I've all three to be adequate when needed but none of them are something I would go out of my way to visit on a road trip.
Thoughts from the group on gas station fandom? I did regularly visit a Wawa when I was down the street from a newer one on Semoran Boulevard in Orlando because convenient access and relatively cheap gas. I wasn't a huge fan of the sandwiches given there was a Publix around the corner.
I'm a big fan of Wawa (went to school in/near Philly, and there's getting to be more locations around here) and QuickChek. I wish there were QuickChek locations around here, and was pleased to have Wawa follow me down here from up north.
Now, Buc-ee's is cool too, and Sheetz is, well, Sheetz.
Personally, I don't get it at all. Sheetz and Wawa are just gas station convenience stores with an expanded food section, not much different than Casey's here in the Midwest. Their fuel prices aren't bad, but I'd rather find somewhere cheaper for fuel. If I want food, I'll find an actual restaurant than a gas station.
We know a lot of Millenials who will drive to Sheetz just for a large cup of coffee that purportedly costs more than Starbucks (which is right across the street).
Me personally, I use Sheetz quite a bit because they are the only place that I can get E15 at the pump. This is only running 20 cents less than regular for the past month, but was running 30 cents or more less after regular gasoline first hit the $3 mark around here. I've got an elderly relative that lives nearby who has a Flex-fuel vehicle, but I can't get her to buy E85 because she is nervous about what it might do to the engine the first time. E85 at the same Sheetz station is running 65 -to- 85 cents less per gallon.
Sheetz has a special place in my memory because it was about the only place open to get something to eat when my dad, brother, and I were traveling on Christmas back in 1990 or '91. At the time, they were basically Subway in their choice of menu items, but it was great to find one open outside of Baltimore for lunch, and in Cumberland for dinner.
My next encounter with a Sheetz was when I was driving the approximate route of Corridor H back in 2000. When I got off I-79 at US 33, I saw Sheetz and stopped. The food menu had expanded by then, and it's continued to grow.
I like Sheets because of the varied menu, especially the fried foods. And honestly, it's a novelty because we don't have them here. For years, the nearest one was at Weston, a good 4 1/2-hour drive, but now they've expanded into the Huntington area. But still, I haven't made a special trip just to get Sheetz, although I will definitely eat there anytime I'm in their territory.
I know much of the Sheetz vs. Wawa fandom rivalry centers on the coffee, but I'm not a coffee drinker, so that means nothing to me. It's the food items that make me prefer Sheetz.
As far as gas goes, being a member of Sheetz' rewards program gets me three cents off per gallon, but if gas is cheaper elsewhere, I'll choose elsewhere over Sheetz. Gas is gas.And since West Virginia's gas tends to be higher than ours or Virginia's, I don't buy gas at Sheetz in Beckley or Princeton unless I have to. There's a Food City on the Virginia side of the state line at Bluefield, and a Walmart near the US 19/US 460 split, that are usually quite a bit cheaper.
I have yet to check out our new Buc-ee's. I'm waiting for the crowds to subside. I'm told, though, that the food is expensive. I'll probably end up going a couple of times for the novelty of it, but it's really not on my way to anywhere.
I like Sheetz, Wawa, Stewart's, Fastrac (although they seem to be going downhill), Cumberland Farms (they might also be going downhill), Byrne Dairy, and QuickChek. For a lot of these, food does play a big part of that (especially Sheetz, Wawa, Stewart's, and QuickChek), but they also seem to be cleaner and are generally good with the windshield washer fluid and squeegees (such is actually the reason my opinion of Fastrac is going down; they haven't been good on this the last few times I've gone, and the same is also true for Cumberland Farms). Now, it's not like I'm going out of my way to go to these places (mostly; I do go a little out of my way when visiting my parents to go to Fastrac), but if they're along my trip plans, they get higher priority (especially Sheetz and QuickChek). Getting food and gas in one stop is certainly a time saver (such is why I don't like how Wawa and Cumberland Farms don't have seating), and many gas stations feel filthy in comparison, even just at the pump. Plus when you drive a lot, the windshield stuff is essential. I don't understand why many stations just put dish detergent in water, or have bad squeegees, or don't have anything at all.
Yeah, I've probably been becoming a bit of a gas station snob in recent years...
Sheetz is teetering in quality to me, given my last few visits.1 Have a fond nostalgia for Cumby, though, and its cheap gas in MA. Love Stewart's and its year round egg nog.
Convenient Food Mart's logo bugs me.
Kwik Trip doesn't seem to be especially popular with roadgeeks specifically, but it does have its own general cult.
Quote from: Rothman on May 22, 2022, 09:47:56 PM
Sheetz is teetering in quality to me, given my last few visits.
A gas station that produces greasy fast food? What is your base acceptance of quality food??
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 22, 2022, 11:09:24 PM
Quote from: Rothman on May 22, 2022, 09:47:56 PM
Sheetz is teetering in quality to me, given my last few visits.
A gas station that produces greasy fast food? What is your base acceptance of quality food??
I could get a decent milkshake or other ice cream treat there. Last few times I've been there, it's been disappointing.
I wish my area of Kentucky that i'm from had more diverse choices of Gas Stations. Everything is ether a Marathon/Five Star, Kentucky petroleum supply, or a store associated gas station like Kroger or Wal-Mart.
I have no strong feelings about any gas stations one way or another.
Quote from: vdeane on May 22, 2022, 09:28:21 PM
I like [...] Fastrac (although they seem to be going downhill)
There's a Fastrac not too far from my house that seems decent. I don't often fuel up there, but sometimes go to the convenience store. I wouldn't put it in the very top tier in terms of great travel stops, with one exception - the one in Wolcott, NY. I was really impressed with that one, maybe partly because it was recently remodeled; it was very spacious, had clean restrooms, and a ton of food options. It was what I'd consider more of a "proper" travel stop like a Love's or Sheetz, which are very rare in Western NY (although there is a new Love's on NY 414 near the Thruway).
While not in my fandom, this station (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.6841132,-71.1386883,3a,83.6y,264.16h,87.19t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sKy0ekq8MirPkmgwFqiT1eg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192), which is now a Global, is always busy to the point of having to designate an entrance and exit and sometimes backing up onto the street. It's typically much cheaper (sometimes even 30¢) than the surrounding stations, but it seems to be busier than it should be, for these three reasons.
- There was a time about a month ago when it was about average due to stations all updating at different times. It was still packed.
- There was a time about two months ago when the station on the other side of 495 was only one cent higher. While I didn't see this station at that time (I was walking and went a different way), the station that was only one cent higher was about as busy as a typical gas station, not absolutely packed.
- Back when it was a Wave, it would lie to you on inspection and tell you that it failed so that they would get more money from the repairs. I don't know if this is still the case or not after the brand change.
Quote from: hbelkins on May 22, 2022, 08:02:36 PM
Sheetz has a special place in my memory because it was about the only place open to get something to eat when my dad, brother, and I were traveling on Christmas back in 1990 or '91. At the time, they were basically Subway in their choice of menu items, but it was great to find one open outside of Baltimore for lunch, and in Cumberland for dinner.
My first encounter with Sheetz was in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania back in the late 1980s. They were one of the few non-branded chains that took the railroad's gasoline credit card. The store was older and the grill was behind the register. I got hooked because of the low prices for "good-ole country sausage biscuits", plus I could get West Virginia-style pepperoni rolls at the counter (probably a local product). Coffee was only 25 cents at the time, and wasn't strong enough for my taste. Makes you miss the good ole days.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 22, 2022, 11:09:24 PM
Quote from: Rothman on May 22, 2022, 09:47:56 PM
Sheetz is teetering in quality to me, given my last few visits.
A gas station that produces greasy fast food? What is your base acceptance of quality food??
The food at Sheetz was actually pretty decent for what is basically fast food. I can't eat there anymore (celiac disease) but I've heard from a few people that it's not as good these days.
Quote
We know a lot of Millenials who will drive to Sheetz just for a large cup of coffee that purportedly costs more than Starbucks (which is right across the street).
It doesn't. At least not up here, where it competes with Wawa as well (and for my money, Wawa has better coffee than either Sheetz or Starbucks, and is definitely cheaper than the latter).
Quote from: webny99 on May 23, 2022, 08:11:13 AM
Quote from: vdeane on May 22, 2022, 09:28:21 PM
I like [...] Fastrac (although they seem to be going downhill)
There's a Fastrac not too far from my house that seems decent. I don't often fuel up there, but sometimes go to the convenience store. I wouldn't put it in the very top tier in terms of great travel stops, with one exception - the one in Wolcott, NY. I was really impressed with that one, maybe partly because it was recently remodeled; it was very spacious, had clean restrooms, and a ton of food options. It was what I'd consider more of a "proper" travel stop like a Love's or Sheetz, which are very rare in Western NY (although there is a new Love's on NY 414 near the Thruway).
I think the gas side has been getting worse since Cumberland Farms bought them out; can't comment on the present state of inside since I don't usually have reason to go inside a gas station around Rochester. The air is no longer free (granted, other stores on my list aren't either, but it's definitely a point or two loss), and the availability of windshield washing fluid is now hit or miss (critical given how many bug splatters I get when on the road in summer and salt grime in the winter).
Quote from: vdeane on May 23, 2022, 08:49:16 PM
I think the gas side has been getting worse since Cumberland Farms bought them out
more like Cumbersome Farms amirite
QuikTrip is the local religion here in Wichita. I don't get it.
I don't know that we have a cult favorite in Kentucky. Speedway is omnipresent, and their footprint multiplied when Marathon bought Ashland and its SuperAmerica chain a couple of decades ago.
In southeastern Kentucky, Double Kwik seems to have a bit of following for its pizza rolls. One thing that's unusual about them is that they have different brands of gas. You can find BP in some places and Marathon in others. The chain is owned by Childers Oil out of Whitesburg.
Other chains in Kentucky seem to be regionally based. We have Thornton's in the central part of the state, UDF in the north, Apple Market in the east central region extending into north central and southeast, Huck's in the west, and Casey's is starting to move into the western part of the state as well.
We're starting to see more Clark's Pump and Shop locations, but I know nothing about them.
But then again, none of those places (except Double Kwik and Casey's) are popular for their food. That's what seems to set the Sheetz and Wawa fandom apart.
I know here in the Cincy area, people rave over UDF (a local gas/convenience store chain). Could see the appeal of them: good ice cream and cheaper gas than a competitor across the street.
As for some convenience stores I praise a lot, 7/11 stores in Japan and Taiwan.
I'm going to get slapped over this one, but in West Virginia it's got to be GoMart. The ones in more rural areas have greasy fried chicken that you can smell from two miles away, and traditionally sold lots of local products such as homemade candies, pastries and (in northern parts of the state) pepperoni rolls. It's been a few years since I've been back to West Virginia, so I don't have any clue how it is today.
I am not exactly a fan of any but I do avoid certain chains that have a policy of not having restrooms for customers. For heaven's sake, I've probably driven several hours and would like to empty my bladder at the same place I fill my car's tank. Is that too much to ask?
Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 08:55:17 AM
QuikTrip is the local religion here in Wichita. I don't get it.
KC too. They're normally clean. The people working there are nice and actually get paid well. I tended to gravitate towards QT when I was in Kansas. Can't say it's nearly as culty as Buc-Ee's and Wawa from the sound of things though.
Quote from: kkt on May 24, 2022, 05:23:59 PM
I am not exactly a fan of any but I do avoid certain chains that have a policy of not having restrooms for customers. For heaven's sake, I've probably driven several hours and would like to empty my bladder at the same place I fill my car's tank. Is that too much to ask?
Don't some chains require that as part of their branding? I seem to recall that being a thing something Arco is supposed to have.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 24, 2022, 05:27:15 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 08:55:17 AM
QuikTrip is the local religion here in Wichita. I don't get it.
KC too. They're normally clean. The people working there are nice and actually get paid well. I tended to gravitate towards QT when I was in Kansas. Can't say it's nearly as culty as Buc-Ee's and Wawa from the sound of things though.
I used to know a guy from Tulsa and he would regularly sing the praises of QuikTrip.
We weren't allowed to have QT until recently, so here that void was filled by OnCue, which does pretty much everything QT does just as well or better.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 24, 2022, 05:31:11 PM
Quote from: kkt on May 24, 2022, 05:23:59 PM
I am not exactly a fan of any but I do avoid certain chains that have a policy of not having restrooms for customers. For heaven's sake, I've probably driven several hours and would like to empty my bladder at the same place I fill my car's tank. Is that too much to ask?
Don't some chains require that as part of their branding? I seem to recall that being a thing something Arco is supposed to have.
I can think of any number of chains that have locations in cities and don't provide public restrooms.
Although, if you're wondering if white privilege is real, walk into one with a "no public restrooms" sign and ask if they have a restroom you can use (provided you're white).
Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 08:55:17 AM
QuikTrip is the local religion here in Wichita. I don't get it.
I don't get it either. Seemed like every other gas station to me back when I lived in the St Louis area and QT's were common.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 24, 2022, 06:23:05 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 24, 2022, 05:31:11 PM
Quote from: kkt on May 24, 2022, 05:23:59 PM
I am not exactly a fan of any but I do avoid certain chains that have a policy of not having restrooms for customers. For heaven's sake, I've probably driven several hours and would like to empty my bladder at the same place I fill my car's tank. Is that too much to ask?
Don't some chains require that as part of their branding? I seem to recall that being a thing something Arco is supposed to have.
I can think of any number of chains that have locations in cities and don't provide public restrooms.
Although, if you're wondering if white privilege is real, walk into one with a "no public restrooms" sign and ask if they have a restroom you can use (provided you're white).
My personal experience is that most urban gas stations don't want to let anyone use the restroom period. The gist I've gotten in California is that the business owners don't want to open the flood gates for homeless people trying to use their restroom.
One of the worst things about cities in general is finding a restroom when you need it. Sometimes I've found myself having to find creative solutions (infer from that what you will) like I did last year while passing through Santa Barbara after hiking.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 24, 2022, 05:31:11 PM
Quote from: kkt on May 24, 2022, 05:23:59 PM
I am not exactly a fan of any but I do avoid certain chains that have a policy of not having restrooms for customers. For heaven's sake, I've probably driven several hours and would like to empty my bladder at the same place I fill my car's tank. Is that too much to ask?
Don't some chains require that as part of their branding? I seem to recall that being a thing something Arco is supposed to have.
I was pretty sure Arco was one of the ones that do NOT have restrooms available.
Being in a city isn't that much of a help if I'm not from there. I don't want to spend half an hour finding a public park somewhere that has a bathroom and then back to the highway.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 24, 2022, 06:34:57 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 24, 2022, 06:23:05 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 24, 2022, 05:31:11 PM
Quote from: kkt on May 24, 2022, 05:23:59 PM
I am not exactly a fan of any but I do avoid certain chains that have a policy of not having restrooms for customers. For heaven's sake, I've probably driven several hours and would like to empty my bladder at the same place I fill my car's tank. Is that too much to ask?
Don't some chains require that as part of their branding? I seem to recall that being a thing something Arco is supposed to have.
I can think of any number of chains that have locations in cities and don't provide public restrooms.
Although, if you're wondering if white privilege is real, walk into one with a "no public restrooms" sign and ask if they have a restroom you can use (provided you're white).
My personal experience is that most urban gas stations don't want to let anyone use the restroom period. The gist I've gotten in California is that the business owners don't want to open the flood gates for homeless people trying to use their restroom.
One of the worst things about cities in general is finding a restroom when you need it. Sometimes I've found myself having to find creative solutions (infer from that what you will) like I did last year while passing through Santa Barbara after hiking.
When I'm on a walk and need to use the bathroom, if nothing else, I'll go into a restaurant and offer to order a soda to go. Oftentimes, they let me use theirs without having to buy anything.
^^^
Even that's an uphill battle sometimes. There was a fairly recent occasion where I even bought lunch at a Burger King and they still refused access to their restroom. Fortunately there was an abandoned bridge behind the restaurant with some sight line cover.
Regarding coaxing gas station attendants into using a non-public restroom access I've found my wife can be very persuasive. She's been able to butter up some access on occasion when I could not.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 24, 2022, 06:34:57 PMMy personal experience is that most urban gas stations don't want to let anyone use the restroom period.
Oh, I've walked into a non-zero number of gas stations with a no-public-restrooms sign, asked to use the restroom, and been shown to the restroom.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 24, 2022, 06:59:04 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 24, 2022, 06:34:57 PMMy personal experience is that most urban gas stations don't want to let anyone use the restroom period.
Oh, I've walked into a non-zero number of gas stations with a no-public-restrooms sign, asked to use the restroom, and been shown to the restroom.
The last time I can recall being granted access to a non public restroom upon asking was in 2010 in Mission Beach in San Diego. I don't know if I just look threatening or something because it's almost universally "no." Probably fair to mention that I do almost universally wear gym clothes while actively in transport on road trips. I'm also fairly tall, don't really smile too much and I'm told that I have somewhat direct mannerisms.
But, like I said above my wife (who isn't white like me) has much more success. My wife is not an intimidating person and very approachable in contrast to me. Even when I'm wife in general in public I've noticed more people are willing to talk to me than as opposed when I'm by myself.
The only time I've been denied restroom access at a gas station was this place along US-69 in Big Cabin, OK. The guy wouldn't let me use the restroom unless I bought something. I needed to go bad enough I bought some $1.69 candy bar or something and never went back there again.
I usually do buy something after I use the restroom, since I get that upkeep of a restroom is not free, but I resented being made to make a purchase before being allowed in.
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 24, 2022, 07:10:18 PM
The only time I've been denied restroom access at a gas station was this place along US-69 in Big Cabin, OK. The guy wouldn't let me use the restroom unless I bought something. I needed to go bad enough I bought some $1.69 candy bar or something and never went back there again.
I usually do buy something after I use the restroom, since I get that upkeep of a restroom is not free, but I resented being made to make a purchase before being allowed in.
With the purchase first stipulation I've never been denied entry to a restroom.
One time in Oakland, CA, the gas station let me use the restroom because of my appearance (clean-cut and suit) and specifically told me that it was okay for me but, as he waved towards other customers, not "them."
I think I've been denied a restroom a total of twice in my life.
One of those times, we were told "you're free to use the side of the outside wall" of the gas station, so we did. That seemed honest enough.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 24, 2022, 07:03:17 PM
But, like I said above my wife (who isn't white like me) has much more success. My wife is not an intimidating person and very approachable in contrast to me. Even when I'm wife in general in public I've noticed more people are willing to talk to me than as opposed when I'm by myself.
Female privilege.
Actually, what will make
anyone let you into the bathroom is a young child. That's like secret weapon when it comes to bathroom access.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 24, 2022, 06:34:57 PM
Sometimes I've found myself having to find creative solutions (infer from that what you will) like I did last year while passing through Santa Barbara after hiking.
Truth. I once took a dump behind
this garage (https://goo.gl/maps/K8TT29HiLc5XJmBE6).
I like Royal Farms for their chicken and its Baltimore origins like mine, Wawa for their quesadillas and Coke Freestyle machines, Sheetz for their marketing, Rutter's for their burgers, Turkey Hill for their ice cream, and High's for sentimental reasons, as it was once my mom's go-to for gallons of milk.
As for "no restrooms", I will gladly empty my bladder on their lawn and see if they care.
Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 08:57:37 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 24, 2022, 07:03:17 PM
But, like I said above my wife (who isn't white like me) has much more success. My wife is not an intimidating person and very approachable in contrast to me. Even when I'm wife in general in public I've noticed more people are willing to talk to me than as opposed when I'm by myself.
Female privilege.
Actually, what will make anyone let you into the bathroom is a young child. That's like secret weapon when it comes to bathroom access.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 24, 2022, 06:34:57 PM
Sometimes I've found myself having to find creative solutions (infer from that what you will) like I did last year while passing through Santa Barbara after hiking.
Truth. I once took a dump behind this garage (https://goo.gl/maps/K8TT29HiLc5XJmBE6).
I would imagine it is far easier to make the mental conclusion that a friendly looking female individual is acceptable to permit restroom access over a somewhat intimidating looking male. I'll have to try the child card if we have my wife's nieces with us the next time something like a no-permit situation happens.
In the Santa Barbara instance I noticed the bushes on the off ramp from US 101 to CA 150 were especially thick and provided excellent cover. I have found in many emergency restroom situations (frequently while running) that railroad grades are very reliable place to go without being seen by anyone that cares.
Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 08:57:37 PMActually, what will make anyone let you into the bathroom is a young child. That's like secret weapon when it comes to bathroom access.
And you can bring damn near anything into a sporting event if you put it at the bottom of a diaper bag.
In the early days of the iPhone, there was an app called "Sit or Squat" that would alert you to public restrooms near your location. I'm not sure if that app still exists today, or has been updated to work with newer iOS releases, but I'm sure there's probably some sort of app dispensing similar information.
Quote from: Dirt Roads on May 24, 2022, 05:19:19 PM
I'm going to get slapped over this one, but in West Virginia it's got to be GoMart. The ones in more rural areas have greasy fried chicken that you can smell from two miles away, and traditionally sold lots of local products such as homemade candies, pastries and (in northern parts of the state) pepperoni rolls. It's been a few years since I've been back to West Virginia, so I don't have any clue how it is today.
You're the only person I've ever heard who expressed a fandom for GoMart. I've been in a few of them in my time, and they've ranged from spotless to feeling like I needed a shower immediately upon exiting. I once went into a fairly new one somewhere along I-79 (Jane Lew, maybe?) and was impressed. I must have really needed to go and didn't think I could make it to the Sheetz at Weston.
Casey's has been one to have 2 single occupant restrooms and label by gender - what a freakin waste of resources. if you have 2 restrooms - free for all.
Quote from: SSOWorld on May 25, 2022, 09:17:30 PM
Casey's has been one to have 2 single occupant restrooms and label by gender - what a freakin waste of resources. if you have 2 restrooms - free for all.
If it's single use occupant restroom I really don't have a ton of respect for when they aren't assigned unisex. If there is someone in the Men's assigned room taking forever I'll slip over to the room marked Women's if it free.
The Union 76 on CA 41 that I drive by actually has a unisex restroom inside and a portapotty for Ag workers by the pumps. More often than not I'll just use the portapotty since there is almost never a wait versus the unisex inside.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 25, 2022, 09:22:56 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on May 25, 2022, 09:17:30 PM
Casey's has been one to have 2 single occupant restrooms and label by gender - what a freakin waste of resources. if you have 2 restrooms - free for all.
If it's single use occupant restroom I really don't have a ton of respect for when they aren't assigned unisex. If there is someone in the Men's assigned room taking forever I'll slip over to the room marked Women's if it free.
The Union 76 on CA 41 that I drive by actually has a unisex restroom inside and a portapotty for Ag workers by the pumps. More often than not I'll just use the portapotty since there is almost never a wait versus the unisex inside.
Then you get a death glare from a woman waiting for it.
Quote from: SSOWorld on May 25, 2022, 09:24:06 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 25, 2022, 09:22:56 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on May 25, 2022, 09:17:30 PM
Casey's has been one to have 2 single occupant restrooms and label by gender - what a freakin waste of resources. if you have 2 restrooms - free for all.
If it's single use occupant restroom I really don't have a ton of respect for when they aren't assigned unisex. If there is someone in the Men's assigned room taking forever I'll slip over to the room marked Women's if it free.
The Union 76 on CA 41 that I drive by actually has a unisex restroom inside and a portapotty for Ag workers by the pumps. More often than not I'll just use the portapotty since there is almost never a wait versus the unisex inside.
Then you get a death glare from a woman waiting for it.
Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't do it if there was an active line. But if someone got offended upon my exit from a 20 second restroom break that's just too bad for them. Considering some of what we talked about already has included pooping behind garages, peeing in bushes and using railroad grades as cover that hypothetical scenario is game by comparison.
Also, I'm dangerously close to starting a "Urban Bathroom Emergencies" thread given some of the stories in this thread already fit.
I'm generally not averse to peeing outside in a rural area (did it all the time as a kid), but I hesitate to do it in an urban area, for fear some busybody would call the cops.
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 09:37:19 PM
I'm generally not averse to peeing outside in a rural area (did it all the time as a kid), but I hesitate to do it in an urban area, for fear some busybody would call the cops.
I'm an avid hiker and camp frequently, so to me it has never been a big deal to use the outdoors to urinate. The trouble in a city is like you said, who is going to see you and who would call the cops? I picked up a lot of the good urban places to hide from view during distance running over the years (almost an inevitability an issue will occur distance running eventually). The railroad grades are by far the best bet in an urban setting but even stuff like thick bushes or underpasses will do the trick in an emergency. It also helps to know in the back of your head that even if someone called the police the response would not likely be instantaneous if at all.
Bowel movement emergencies are all together different beast and way harder to find work arounds urban or otherwise.
Also, it really depends on where you are how big of an issue it would be even if the police were called. A couple of months back after I had a minor car accident, and was waiting on someone to come pick me up, I asked the Pottawatomie County sheriff deputy on the scene if it would be all right if I were to go to the bathroom on the side of US-177. He seemed a little surprised that I even felt the need to ask first.
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 09:37:19 PM
I'm generally not averse to peeing outside in a rural area (did it all the time as a kid), but I hesitate to do it in an urban area, for fear some busybody would call the cops.
There are plenty of places to urinate in urban areas where no one can see you.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 26, 2022, 10:14:27 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 09:37:19 PM
I'm generally not averse to peeing outside in a rural area (did it all the time as a kid), but I hesitate to do it in an urban area, for fear some busybody would call the cops.
There are plenty of places to urinate in urban areas where no one can see you.
And it seems like most of them that are used are in Wrigleyville after a game...
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 26, 2022, 10:14:27 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 09:37:19 PM
I'm generally not averse to peeing outside in a rural area (did it all the time as a kid), but I hesitate to do it in an urban area, for fear some busybody would call the cops.
There are plenty of places to urinate in urban areas where no one can see you.
Or even where they can see you. The pissoirs of Paris and Amsterdam are practically wherever you happen to be.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 26, 2022, 10:14:27 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 09:37:19 PM
I'm generally not averse to peeing outside in a rural area (did it all the time as a kid), but I hesitate to do it in an urban area, for fear some busybody would call the cops.
There are plenty of places to urinate in urban areas where no one can see you.
Indeed, but I'm always paranoid that I'll look around, make sure that I can't be seen from any direction...and somehow totally miss the direction someone is actually spying on me from.
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 26, 2022, 08:02:51 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 26, 2022, 10:14:27 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 09:37:19 PM
I'm generally not averse to peeing outside in a rural area (did it all the time as a kid), but I hesitate to do it in an urban area, for fear some busybody would call the cops.
There are plenty of places to urinate in urban areas where no one can see you.
Indeed, but I'm always paranoid that I'll look around, make sure that I can't be seen from any direction...and somehow totally miss the direction someone is actually spying on me from.
If I have to go so badly that I need to pee in an alley, then I'm usually done well before anyone could spot me, let alone call the cops or confront me. Dumpsters provide excellent cover.
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 26, 2022, 08:02:51 PM
Indeed, but I'm always paranoid that I'll look around, make sure that I can't be seen from any direction...and somehow totally miss the direction someone is actually spying on me from.
If they're
spying on me, then that's a "them problem", not a "me problem".
It's a great country, but it's a strange culture. </George Carlin>
Quote from: hbelkins on May 24, 2022, 12:41:17 PM
We're starting to see more Clark's Pump and Shop locations, but I know nothing about them.
Clark Oil was founded in the Milwaukee area during the Great Depression and their stations were common around the Chicago area during the 60s and 70s. They started disappearing but appear to be making a comeback via franchising.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clark_Brands
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 26, 2022, 08:02:51 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 26, 2022, 10:14:27 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 09:37:19 PM
I'm generally not averse to peeing outside in a rural area (did it all the time as a kid), but I hesitate to do it in an urban area, for fear some busybody would call the cops.
There are plenty of places to urinate in urban areas where no one can see you.
Indeed, but I'm always paranoid that I'll look around, make sure that I can't be seen from any direction...and somehow totally miss the direction someone is actually spying on me from.
Happened to me once in HS, and it was one of those Karens who went out of her way to make sure I noticed her angrily glaring at me.
Quote from: Rick Powell on May 28, 2022, 12:25:07 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on May 24, 2022, 12:41:17 PM
We're starting to see more Clark's Pump and Shop locations, but I know nothing about them.
Clark Oil was founded in the Milwaukee area during the Great Depression and their stations were common around the Chicago area during the 60s and 70s. They started disappearing but appear to be making a comeback via franchising.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clark_Brands
It's not the same company at all. John Clark Oil Co. is a regional gas and diesel distributor based in Ashland, KY, and has long had a stranglehold on fuel prices of most of the gas stations in that area, with the exception of the Flying J in Cannonsburg near I-64 and the Pilot in Grayson near I-64, both of which tend to run a bit cheaper. Anyway, one of the first Clark Pump N Stops opened in the early 80's and is two blocks from my grandparents' house, and their distribution hub is about a mile away from it.
When did gas stations start using digital displays for gas prices?
Quote from: XamotCGC on May 28, 2022, 06:48:12 PM
When did gas stations start using digital displays for gas prices?
Around here, the first ones started to appear sometime between 2005-2010.
I'm taking Fastrac off my preferred station list. Scottsville has joined Marketplace in not having windshield washing fluid. Since I can no longer clean my windshield at Fastrac, they no longer serve my needs, so I think I'll start using the nice Mobil station at Winton/Brighton-Henrietta Town Line Road (formerly Speedway) until Byrne Dairy has some more locations in the Rochester area.
Quote from: wriddle082 on May 28, 2022, 02:10:43 PM
Quote from: Rick Powell on May 28, 2022, 12:25:07 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on May 24, 2022, 12:41:17 PM
We're starting to see more Clark's Pump and Shop locations, but I know nothing about them.
Clark Oil was founded in the Milwaukee area during the Great Depression and their stations were common around the Chicago area during the 60s and 70s. They started disappearing but appear to be making a comeback via franchising.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clark_Brands
It's not the same company at all. John Clark Oil Co. is a regional gas and diesel distributor based in Ashland, KY, and has long had a stranglehold on fuel prices of most of the gas stations in that area, with the exception of the Flying J in Cannonsburg near I-64 and the Pilot in Grayson near I-64, both of which tend to run a bit cheaper. Anyway, one of the first Clark Pump N Stops opened in the early 80's and is two blocks from my grandparents' house, and their distribution hub is about a mile away from it.
Even moreso than SuperAmerica/Speedway?
Given that KY 7 is my route of choice to reach I-64 if I'm going somewhere that involves traveling through the Huntington area, I'm grateful for that Pilot in Grayson. They keep gas prices in check there. I'll often gas up there if heading north or northeast, and stop at the Speedway across the road on my way home.
Quote from: vdeane on May 28, 2022, 08:59:46 PM
I'm taking Fastrac off my preferred station list. Scottsville has joined Marketplace in not having windshield washing fluid. Since I can no longer clean my windshield at Fastrac, they no longer serve my needs, so I think I'll start using the nice Mobil station at Winton/Brighton-Henrietta Town Line Road (formerly Speedway) until Byrne Dairy has some more locations in the Rochester area.
Yep. No washer fluid, no bathrooms, no sale.
I was finally able to pay a visit to the new Kentucky Buc-ee's today. It was only four miles or so off one of the alternative routes between here and Lexington.
Gas was 20 to 30 cents cheaper than the other gas stations in the Richmond area. It was $4.499 there, while it was between $4.699 and $4.799 everywhere else. A message at the pump indicated that ethanol-free gas is available at some of the pumps. The price was posted inside the store and it's above $5.
How would I describe the store itself? A hybrid of Cracker Barrel, Hobby Lobby, Cabela's, Lowe's, and a standard convenience store. Half the store seemed to be souvenir and home decorative stuff, with some outdoors supplies thrown in. There were grills, smokers, deep fryers, coolers, all sorts of things. They even had bags of deer corn for sale.
There was a touch screen system for ordering burritos, hot dogs, and that type of thing, and a display case/serving station for pastries (I didn't get a sausage kolache today), and the meat sandwiches are prepared and wrapped in the center of the store and kept under heat lamps.
The place was jam-packed. Too many people for my tastes. The gas pumps were very busy. I'm not sure if the proximity to the interstate as the only gas station at that exit was the draw, or the low price (I didn't see any indication of the pump price until I got to the pump.)
It's also pricey. $7.99 for the brisket sandwich, which was tasty, but overpriced for what you get. You can get twice as much meat at Arby's for less money. Jerky was $7.99 for a small bag and twice that for a large bag. (Walmart is cheaper).
Bottom line? I'm not sure what the fuss is all about. It's a novelty, for sure. "Everything's bigger in Texas." The price of gas is worth driving four miles south of the Richmond bypass if you need more than just a splash, but I don't plan on being a frequent customer. Once the newness wears off and the crowds thin out, I may go back, but I won't be making special trips or extra efforts to patronize Buc-ee's.
Royal Farms finally opened up a couple weeks ago here. Looked decent, but wasn't as busy as the Sheetz on the other side of 95. Still not fully stocked, had no beer at all.
https://www.10tv.com/amp/article/money/business/wawa-expands-ohio-indiana-kentucky/530-4a22f553-487e-4142-92ad-048c31cff100
Sheetz south of Ruckersville is apparently closed now. A few months ago, I read that there would be a new drive thru there.