In January 2023, our independent reviews and content will be updated. When you click on the links, our partners will help you earn money.
If you’re starting your own small business, let’s discuss it first. Here is a list of stores, and you don’t need to search further than the drive-through gas station close to you.
The gas station and convenience store that offers drive-through service is designed to accommodate customers who prefer to stay in their cars, especially those who wish to avoid leaving their homes. This is because individuals generally prefer to remain indoors and avoid going outside.
Yes, the gas station drive-through is gaining popularity. We have seen a significant increase in all types of service, including curbside. This trend continues to evolve, and over the past couple of years, we have made a big push for all types of curbside service. Yes, the gas station drive-through is growing.
According to CSP Daily News, 51% of consumers would choose a drive-through as the number one amenity that would make them pick another convenience store.
Similar to a barn, certain convenience stores actually allow customers to drive inside the store to avoid the cold weather and the inconvenience of getting out of their cars. These types of stores have existed in different formats for quite some time in the northern states.
And in the South (where I live) there are long-time “beer barns” where you can drive through to get your liquor. Yep.
These kinds of stores are a brilliant concept, as they prioritize a distinctive customer experience.
How to Start a Drive-Through Gas Station
Do you want to start a drive-through gas station? Each step is pretty straightforward, so here’s what you’ll need to do: breakdown your marketing efforts, prepare your inventory, design and get permission, and find a suitable location.
Find a Location for your Drive-Through
When it comes to finding a gas/convenience store, the key is to start with the right location. You don’t want to choose a spot that is too close to other similar stores, but you also want it to be easy for people to get to.
Nolo.Com offers a variety of excellent inquiries to help narrow down your desired location, such as affordability, zoning, competition, and more.
Consider purchasing a preexisting petrol station and transforming it into a drive-through to enhance the business’s worth.
Getting a Permit from the City for Your Store
Before you can open your gas/convenience store, you will need to obtain all the necessary permits and approvals from state and local authorities.
Design Your Drive-Through
Designing your store layout is also crucial, including fuel pumps, payment kiosk, and convenience store arrangement.
Buy Inventory for Your Gas Station Convenience Store
The primary inventory could potentially consist of fewer items, featuring a store with a drive-through option, and effectively monitor all the items you possess – it is essential to ensure that you possess an adequate amount of the correct merchandise and provisions, as managing your inventory is of utmost importance.
Marketing the Drive Thru Gas Station
You can use social media, promotions, and advertisements more to generate excitement among people and let them know about your store. Don’t forget about marketing – make sure to check it out!
Some drawbacks to be cautious about, as stated by Gavin Bradley of Convenience Store News.
Implementing drive-thrus can pose challenges, even for quick-service restaurants that already possess a well-established menu.
To achieve accuracy, it requires meticulous preparation and deliberation. Incorporating a drive-thru into a convenience store can result in extended queues and heightened challenges, where patrons may not be acquainted with the entire selection.
This can increase the risk of items ending up in the wrong bags and potentially running into loss at the drive-thru. Drive-thrus can shift the focus of labor from customers to the store, requiring employees to shop for customers themselves. Additionally, drive-thrus can also shift the focus of labor from the customer to the store.
Additionally, Gavin recommends a few strategies to make your store unique and noticeable.
There are various solutions that can assist convenience stores in overcoming challenges with drive-thru service, including:
Examples of Drive Through Gas Stations
Here are some examples of petrol stations with drive-through services and factors to take into account if you have ambitions of setting up one yourself.
1. Farm Store in Florida
In 1957, Stores Farm, a Florida-based establishment, opened its first stores in Miami. The stores were small, occupying a 350-square-foot location, and they primarily sold fresh food items such as ice cream, eggs, bread, butter, and milk through a drive-thru system.
Customers would place their orders at the counter and then a staff member would deliver the items to their vehicle.
Inspired by the popularity of drive-in theaters and diners during that time, Farm Stores serves busy parents with its compact and convenient drive-thru outlets, currently operating in 65 different spots across Florida.
Despite the undisclosed revenues of the company, it is rumored that they have been making a profit.
2. The 7-11 in Dallas, TX
Yeah, it’s connected to their Laredo Taco Co. Eatery and it’s their inaugural one ever, a drive-through in Dallas that 7-Eleven recently launched. Evidently, you still need to enter the premises for everything else, but you can obtain all the typical items like Slurpees and other beverages.
Explore further. Pretty impressive, isn’t it? In recent years, a handful of these “evolution stores” have been established in cities such as New York City, Washington D.C., And San Diego. According to Chris Tanco, the Chief Operating Officer of 7-Eleven, they are striving to transform their stores into popular attractions by incorporating the convenience of a drive-through.
3. The Wawa in Pennsylvania
Have you heard about the new Wawa store with a drive-thru in New Jersey and Pennsylvania? It’s 1,850 square feet in size, and they’re testing it out, allowing customers to shop inside without using the drive-thru. Isn’t that cool, huh?
You can park your car in the designated curbside spot and they’ll bring out everything to you. If the line gets too long or you have a lot of stuff, a Wawa employee will come over and process your payment.
Wawa had already formulated plans to test out this drive-thru idea prior to the outbreak of the pandemic, but they expedited the procedure due to the impact of COVID. It is logical, isn’t it?
4. Yabbos in Louisiana
Get ready, Louisiana – Yabbos, a new drive-thru convenience store, is coming to town! They’re already getting the groundwork ready and everything.
Will the store attendants assist you in a friendly manner and guide you through the specially designed “tunnel” of the building, where you can drive your car? You can even leave your car to have drinks and snacks without any worries. Isn’t that the best part?
Oh, and they’ll offer Chevron branded fuel as well. Sounds pretty cool, doesn’t it?
5. Alta Dena Market in San Diego
The Clairemont suburb’s Alta Dena Market has been a longstanding fixture in the San Diego community.
If you’ve never checked it out, it’s definitely worth it. What sets it apart from other markets is the fact that you can actually drive through the store. You don’t need to get out of your car to shop here, and that’s right.
In Southern California, like the Dena Alta Market in San Diego, there used to be numerous dairy markets, but now it remains the last one standing.
If you’re ever in the area, be sure to swing by and check it out. It has been a beloved part of the community for decades, and it’s a convenient and one-of-a-kind shop.
6. Auto-Drip in Maine
The Auto-Drip experience also offers a wide variety of grocery items. In addition, they have pre-prepared foods. They also have an impressive selection of wine and beer.
Customers can delight in all of this from the convenience of their vehicles, thanks to the amiable assistance and cheerful demeanor. Along the coastline, the Auto-Drip crew has gained a reputation for delivering top-notch customer service.
How Much Money Will You Need to Start a Drive-Through Gas Station
If you’re just starting out, it may take a few thousand dollars or even as little as a couple hundred dollars to get going with an auto-drip coffee maker like the one you’re looking at in the store. The exact amount will depend on your specific preferences and needs.
If you decide to purchase a 7-11 or a franchise model, such as Stores or Farm, then you will have a more substantial investment.
Embarking on a lucrative and fulfilling enterprise can be accomplished by ensuring the satisfaction of your clientele, the proper functioning of your fuel dispensers, and the continuous availability of fuel reserves. Initiating a drive-through refueling station may appear challenging at first, but with meticulous preparation and a touch of hard work.
“I previously engaged in substance abuse. I am presently engaged in it as well, however, I used to, as well.” – Comedian Mitch Hedberg’s statement, just bear in mind his words, if situations ever become a bit too chaotic.
