6 C-Stores Featured in Food Network Promotion

Shell is leaning on some of its independent branded convenience stores in its latest promotion, calling out talented chefs and operators for their foodservice acumen. And it’s doing it in partnership with the Food Network.

Station Nation is a video and digital promotion in which Food Network host Hunter Fieri—son of Guy Fieri—travels across the United States to feature unique food destinations located in Shell stations.

“What was interesting about all this is how the evolution of food in gas stations has changed so much in the past couple of years,” Fieri told the Dallas Observer. “Going from frozen food and hot dogs, and warm, ready-to-go burritos to legitimate meals, and like good meals.”

Each of the six locations offered their own flavor profile to their menus as Shell noted “stations are transforming food options to appeal o customers, moving to incorporate unique food offerings to give you a reason to stop in for a bite to eat while filling up,” Shell said in a fact sheet about the promotion.

The collaboration, launched as a series of videos online and on the Food Network, takes place in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of Shell’s Fuel Rewards loyalty program. “The campaign builds on customer loyalty by highlighting wonderful places to eat in their neighborhoods or on road trips, allowing them to discover paces they might not otherwise visit,” the company said. “While there, they can take advantage of savings at the pump and in-store specials by being a Fuel Rewards member.”

Here’s a look at the six retailers and restaurant concepts featured in the series …

This Citi Stop convenience store is also a gas station meets brew pub meets food-truck park. The store offers local beers on tap amidst a patio lined with local food trucks that rotate to bring the city of Asheville, North Carolina, barbecue, soul food and Asian cuisine, among others.

Located on the north side of Chicago, Burger Bite owner Edgar Bonilla brough nostalgia to this burger joint. A road trip a decade ago down Route 66 ignited Bonilla’s love of travel and quick-stop restaurants. At this Shell station with only two tables, he opened an American-style restaurant that serve burgers, fries and shakes, and has never received a bad review, according to Shell.

With a history that dates back to 1937, Harris Ranch Express BBQ, Coalinga, California, is “an oasis for fuel and flavor.” The 24-hour operation sees chefs arriving at 5 a.m. to fire up the smokers for a menu packed with brisket, burnt ends, pulled pork, ribs and more.  

This family-owned station, Sandy Shell in Sandy, Oregon, sells up to 500 burritos a day, with chefs serving authentic and fresh ingredients made to order. Popular menu items include breakfast burritos and the chicken fajita burrito topped with a habanero sauce that customers can buy to use at home.

This Seasons food market in Smithville, Rhode Island, owned and operated by Eastside Enterprise includes a variety of breakfast and bakery eats, including avocado toast, homemade muffins and specialty coffee drinks. The store’s goal, according to Shell, is to offer healthy, fresh options that are too often hard to find at a gas station.

Texas Best Smokehouse, Italy, Texas, provides an authentic Texas experience, including a barbecue menu that includes brisket, sausage, turkey, chicken, pork, ribs and a selection of hot an cold sides.