Exploring the Unseen Treasures of Southern Gas Stations Through a Photographer's Lens

Back when Kate Medley was in graduate school in Oxford, Mississippi twenty years ago, she used to visit a nearby gas station where the owners would secretly offer Tupperware containers filled with delicious home-cooked Indian food to those who were aware of this hidden menu item.

Even though it would take some time before she started a comprehensive project on the gas stations and roadside stops in the American South, Medley was already fascinated by these quick stops. She came to understand these places as important food hubs in both city and countryside settings.

Many convenience stores offer simple goods and services like coffee, hot dogs, or an oversized bathroom key. However, some go above and beyond with diverse and unexpected offerings such as crawfish etouffée, tamales, Cajun-style bahn mi, all-you-can-eat barbecue, or even an entire country ham available for purchase alongside your cigarettes.

Despite being often overlooked due to their perceived in-between nature, these quick stops can be vital lifelines for the communities they serve. Medley pointed out that they also present opportunities for people to pursue the so-called American Dream. In fact, a report from the Fiscal Policy Institute in 2013 revealed that 61% of all fueling stations in the US are independently owned by immigrants.

The Obama Gas Station in Columbia, South Carolina, got its name in 2008 following the general election because of the community's support for President Obama's campaign.

At Market Express, formerly Quik Shoppe, in Charlotte, Carolina, Medley photographed Marta Miranda, who had been frying chicken for 18 years.

Kate Medley

Open since 1991, Kwik Chek in Memphis, Tennessee, offers a mix of Korean and Greek food on its menu.

Mike Moatts, the butcher at Elberta Grocery in Elberta, Alabama, which also serves Indian food on Mondays — courtesy of one of its cashiers, Dhinal Patel.

Kate Medley

The Obama Gas Station in Columbia, South Carolina, got its name in 2008 following the general election because of the community's support for President Obama's campaign.

Kate Medley shared that during her travels, she noticed a significant gap in scholarly work that failed to acknowledge the importance of these spaces. She found the people, the food, and the community created in these places to be fascinating and essential to Southern identity and the region's unique offerings.

"Thank You Please Come Again" is a photo book featuring 200 images that was released late last year. It is also the main focus of Medley's debut museum exhibition at the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson, her hometown.

Medley's journey across the South, scouting for locations and capturing moments, is showcased in the book and exhibition.

For ten years, Medley captured images while traveling, starting off by taking pictures on the side during work assignments, and eventually making it the main focus of her project. She visited approximately 150 gas stations and quick stops in total, fascinated by the unique design of each location.

She explained, “There's a sense of mystery surrounding these spaces. As you approach them, you open the little glass door and hear the bell jingle. What will you find inside? What will it smell like? Who will be there? What's on the menu for the day?”

A gas station in the Mississippi Delta offering an all-you-can-eat-buffet, which Medley visited in 2013.

Open since 1991, Kwik Chek in Memphis, Tennessee, offers a mix of Korean and Greek food on its menu.

Kate Medley

Medley photographed a former gas station in the Arkansas Delta, which had become a modest Baptist church.

Gurjeet Singh, the owner of Icebox, and his business partner decided to open a Punjabi dhaba at a former Shell station in Hammond, Louisiana. Originally from Chandigarh, India, Singh's goal was to cater to Indian truck drivers traveling along I-55 and I-12. According to Kate Medley's book.

Saint Louis Saveurs in Greensboro, North Carolina, is owned by Mouhamadou and Bator Cisse, a married couple who met in Senegal. They relocated to Greensboro when Mouhamadou decided to pursue his doctorate in economics. The restaurant is conveniently located next to a Circle K.

Kate Medley discovered some hidden gems, such as Saint Louis Saveurs in Greensboro, North Carolina. This unique outpost for Senegalese food is located in the back of a Circle K and offers delicious dishes like jollof rice and grilled lamb dibi. Interestingly, the restaurant used to be a Dunkin Donuts, as noted by Medley - the door handle still had a "D" when she photographed the space.

Another hidden gem that Kate Medley came across is Icebox, located in Hammond, Louisiana. This Punjabi dhaba, or gas station-adjacent foodery, made a bold move by removing its convenience-store goods and replacing them with a full Indian buffet. This unexpected transformation offers a delightful culinary experience for visitors.

The owners placed Icebox at the crossroads of two highways to cater to long-distance truckers, Medley discovered during her conversation with them. She mentioned that many of these truckers were recruited from India. According to her, the owners have seen great success with this strategy. However, during her visit, they mentioned a new plan. They intend to replace the dhaba with a convenience store and relocate the dhaba to a separate restaurant building. They believe that wealthy customers would prefer dining at a standalone restaurant rather than a gas station.

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Changing landscapes

For every success story, there are businesses struggling — a lot of them, Medley noted, particularly in rural areas where the population has declined.

In Elaine, Arkansas, one station has stopped selling gas and the grocery shelves are empty. However, a local farmer saw an opportunity and now provides hot food options for farmworkers every day. This not only benefits the workers but also brings in steady income for the farmer.

A gas station in the Mississippi Delta offering an all-you-can-eat-buffet, which Medley visited in 2013.

Kate Medley

Amanda Simonson, the general manager, informed Medley that the nearest gas station was 30 miles away. However, she kindly offered him smothered pork chops instead.

In Banner, Mississippi, the owner of Pop's gas station emphasized to Medley the significance of his business to the local community. He even pointed out a regular customer enjoying a lunch plate at the station.

“Since his wife died last year, he eats at Pop’s for breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” the owner, Jeff Poynor, told her.

Medley photographed a former gas station in the Arkansas Delta, which had become a modest Baptist church.

Kate Medley

Medley argued that one of the advantages of small businesses is their adaptability. While not all have been able to survive over the years, she has observed that many have undergone transformations. Instead of selling Slim Jims and Red Bulls, you may now come across a cozy nightclub or a business that specializes in curing hams and ships them nationwide. Medley has personally witnessed both of these transformations.

She expressed optimism about the continued emergence of these small businesses. Medley believes that these establishments are here to stay and will continue to thrive. As technology advances, such as with electric vehicles and self-driving cars, she is unsure of how these businesses will evolve in the next 50 years.

“But I feel confident it will be something,” she added, “that these buildings will persist, and that entrepreneurs will persist in finding a way to make them work.”

Editor's P/S:

The article provides a fascinating glimpse into the hidden world of gas stations and roadside stops in the American South. These unassuming establishments often serve as more than just places to refuel. They are vibrant hubs of community, offering a diverse array of food options, unexpected services, and a glimpse into the lives of the people who run them.

Author Kate Medley's journey across the South, capturing the stories and images of these places, sheds light on their importance and resilience. From the secret Tupperware containers of Indian food to the all-you-can-eat barbecue, these businesses reflect the diverse culinary landscape of the region. They also serve as economic lifelines for communities, providing opportunities for immigrants to pursue the American Dream. Despite the challenges posed by changing demographics and technological advancements, these gas stations and quick stops continue to adapt and evolve, embodying the spirit of Southern entrepreneurship and community.