Too many gas stations in Myrtle Beach? Some residents say yes, others really want Wawa, Sheetz
Getting gas can be a chore, or even a frightening experience in these days of ever-rising fuel prices.
Some gas stations, however, have managed to build cult followings for their many amenities beyond just selling gas. Benefits like great food, clean bathrooms and souvenirs have elevated some fuel depots into “shopping experiences” to the point that a trip to the gas station is more than just another thing to check off the to-do list.
Myrtle Beach has a lot of gas stations — some people say the Grand Strand has too many — but there are several brands the area is noticeably lacking, Sun News readers say.
The Sun News asked readers what gas stations they wish Myrtle Beach had. Here’s what they said.
Wawa
As Food & Wine magazine says, “Wawa isn’t just a convenience store, it’s a lifestyle.”
“We won’t call out the others by name, but there are plenty of convenience stores that would like you think of them as a great place to eat,” Food & Wine writer David Landsel wrote in an article about Wawa. “Very few of them merit a serious look—Wawa, on the other hand, manages to not only make good food, but food that’s actually craveable.”
The gas station, known for its made-to-order, endlessly customizable food, along with great gas prices, was by far the top favorite of Sun News readers.
“WAWA!!! Great gas prices and a great convenience store too! Love WAWA coffee and pretzels. LOL,” Joan Onori said in response to The Sun News’ poll.
The company is based in Philadelphia but has been spreading across the East Coast for years. Now, the closest location is in Virginia Beach.
“WaWa. I mean come on, they are the Bentleys of gas stations,” another reader said in response to the poll.
Sheetz
Sheetz was the second-highest fan favorite in The Sun News’ poll. The Pennsylvania-based gas station can be found throughout North Carolina but has yet to come to the Palmetto State. Maybe, just maybe, we’ll forgive that slight if Sheetz comes to Myrtle Beach first.
“Sheetz because Sheetz is the sheeeeet. They have everything and sandwich making kiosks,” Kirby Wilmont said in response to the poll.
As Wilmont said, Sheetz is known for its high-quality sandwiches. Fans also love the gas station’s full-service espresso and smoothie bars, loyalty programs, ATMs that allow for fee-free withdrawals and its loyalty program.
“Sheetz. Love and miss Sheetz. Had a great reward program, also nice and clean inside,” Emy Swink said in response to the poll.
Buc-ee’s
Florence is getting one of these later this summer! Initially, it was supposed to open by the end of last year. Like everything in the pandemic, however, it was delayed. Much of the construction on the gas station appears to be done, judging by recent observations.
Buc-ee’s will have 120 fuel pumps and thousands of square feet of food and retail. The “travel center” is known for it’s sweet popcorn-like “beaver nuggets,” Texas BBQ and spotless bathrooms.
“Buc-ee’s!!!!!!! Who wouldn’t want this neat place with the cleanest restrooms in the US??” Angela Love said in response to the poll.
The company’s branding is so iconic that one respondent simply told us they want “the beaver,” a nod to Buc-ee’s mascot.
But will Myrtle Beach get one? Past evidence puts that a distinct maybe. In Texas, where Buc-ee’s is based, most of the “travel centers” are located 15-20 miles minimum outside of major city limits. Florence might be as close as Buc-ee’s ever gets to Myrtle Beach.
7-Eleven...
Y’all know the Grand Strand already has one of these, right? Nevertheless, quite a few of readers asked for them. (It’s the Slurpees, we know.) Maybe consider exploring more? We’ve got really good weather. Go outdoors, it’s good for you.
Currently, there’s a 7-Eleven located at 11920 SC-707, Murrells Inlet.
That’s not all. There are several more on the way.
- On U.S. 501 just northwest of the Coastal Carolina University entrance in Conway
- The corner of 82nd Parkway and North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach (Note: There’s a legal battle going on over this one by Living Dunes residents who don’t want it near their neighborhood.)
‘None we have enough. No more trees cut down!!!!!!’
Not everyone thinks Myrtle Beach needs more gas stations. After Wawa and Sheetz, the third most common answer to our poll about gas stations was that the Grand Strand has too many.
“None. We have too many gas stations, beach, firework and vape stores as it is. We need better zoning,” a reader named Kim said in response to the poll.
“None we have enough. No more trees cut down!!!!!!” another reader, Vickie, said in response to the poll.
Along the same lines, one reader, Cathy Beck, simply asked for better gas prices rather than more gas stations. With double-digit spikes in the average fuel cost in Myrtle Beach for multiple weeks in a row, we can all relate to that wish.
Honorable mentions go to QuikTrip (excellent coffee, but the closest outpost is in Columbia), and electrical vehicle charging stations (protect the environment!).
“EV fast-charging stations because they don’t exist along the Grand Strand (with the exception of the Tesla-only fast chargers),” Rhett McCarty said in response to the poll.
This story was originally published March 4, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
