MS has 3 of best locally-owned gas stations in US, new survey says. Here’s why they’re great
Three independently owned Mississippi gas stations are among the best in the country, according to a new survey by American River Wellness, a company for employees returning to safety-sensitive jobs.
“What stood out in our survey is how much people cherish the quirks: the family-run bakery counter, the handwritten specials, even the old pumps,” American River Wellness CEO Graham Sargent said in a Sep. 18 news release.
The survey was conducted in September 2025 and asked 3,016 drivers to rank their favorite locally-owned gas stations across the country, according to the release.
Here’s what they said.
3 best MS independent gas stations
Kent & Sue’s Quick Stop in Bay St. Louis
Kent & Sue’s Quick Shop was voted the best locally-owned gas station in Mississippi and ranked #42 in the country, according to the American River Wellness survey.
The gas station cafe, run by a husband and wife duo, has been open since 1974, according to their Facebook page. It features a Gulf Coast seafood menu, including specials like shrimp po’boys, crawfish etouffee and breakfast platters, experts said.
“Kent remembers your car and your order,” customers said, adding that the station feels like part of the community, according to the survey.
Fratesi Grocery & Service Station in Leland
Ranked #117 in the nation, Fratesi’s is a family-owned gas station and grocery/deli that’s been open since the 1940s, according to the survey.
“The pumps out front keep drivers moving, while the counter inside dishes out muffulettas, house-made sausages and fried catfish that reflect the Fratesi family’s Italian and Southern roots,” experts said.
Fayard’s in Biloxi
Fayard’s, a historic family-owned Biloxi gas station, ranked #122 on American River Wellness’ list.
Fans of the gas station swear by the po-boys, biscuits, burritos and beignets served there, according to the survey.
“Fayard’s remains at heart an independent service station, where filling the tank and grabbing a hot meal have gone hand in hand for generations,” experts said.
Where are the top independent gas stations in the country?
These are the 10 best locally-owned gas stations in the U.S., according to American River Wellness’ survey:
1. Rumpy’s Bakery & Deli in Gainesville, Texas
2. Patriot Petroleum + New England Homemade Donuts in Portsmouth, Rhode Island
3. Boulineau’s Express in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
4. Goose Creek Market in Staunton, Virginia
5. Hickam 24 Hour Gas Station in Honolulu, Hawaii
6. Cooper’s Country Store in Salters, South Carolina
7. The RoadRunners Gas Station & Convenience Store in Rocky Hill, Connecticut
8. Pocket’s Convenience Stores in McKenzie and Huntingdon, Tennessee
9. American Quick Start & Gas in Brooklyn, New York
10. Blue Creek General Store in Blue Creek, Ohio
