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CommentsLunch, With a Side of Gas
Usually, when you walk into the gas station you just grab a bag of chips or a soda and pay for your gas. You may be surprised at the culinary selections that exist at many of the the convenience stores you walk into every day. It might just save you a trip through the drive-thru.
Cody’s Convenience Store—Kansas Expwy. and Walnut St.
This Cody’s had one of the more inviting food environments, in comparison with what many would stereotype as “gas station food”. While they still had the classical glass case filled with fried food, the offerings inside were a little more unique, (mini-tacos, barbecue ribs and catfish strips, for example).
What made Cody’s stand out was the friendly staff (one of which proudly told me she had gained weight because the food was so good), a fresh taco and condiment bar and even an outside eating area. You could get a full serving of almost anything they offered for less than $5.
Sinclair Station—Kansas Expwy. and Division St.
This tiny gas station also has a tiny selection of hot food. In this case, I would tell most people to stick to gas only at this station. Though the presentation was a little questionable, they do offer a large helping of Mac ‘n’ Chz bites for $1.79.
AutoTronics Conoco—Chestnut Expwy. and Benton Ave. (by Drury Campus)
When you walk into this Conoco, it smells a bit more like a small-town diner than a convenience store. From 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. they serve a total of 13 full entrees (with sides) for less than $5, many of which are homemade. This is probably the only gas station in town where you will find homemade meatloaf (pictured), a side and dinner roll for $3.99. Drury students who are missing mom’s home cooking (and feeling a bit brave) could find some comfort here; the clerks even wear hairnets.
Kum & Go—National Ave. and Chestnut Expwy.
This Kum & Go did not have much to offer, other than the standard spinning, wrinkled hot dog, a true gas station delicacy.
Casey’s General Store—Grand St. and Grant Ave.
Even though you might overlook pizza at a gas station, during my freshman year a friend turned me and everyone else in her dorm onto it. It’s not far from the MSU campus, only $1.79 a slice and a lot better than the dining hall pizza.
