Popular Staten Island Sunoco closes for Starbucks after 33 years
Source: silive.com
TL;DR
- Sunoco on Forest Avenue in Staten Island's Travis neighborhood shut down after 33 years of operation.
- Owners cited a decline in gas sales due to electric vehicles and remote work reducing daily commutes.
- The station will transform into a Starbucks with a drive-thru, meeting rising demand for coffee amid falling fuel needs.
- Closure reflects a national trend where fewer drivers mean gas stations must adapt or close.
The story at a glance
A beloved Staten Island Sunoco gas station closed after decades, making way for a Starbucks - a shift driven by changing consumer habits that's sparking local buzz right now.
Key moments & milestones
- 1991: Sunoco opens at 2655 Forest Ave. in Travis, becoming a neighborhood staple.
- Early 2020s: Gas demand drops sharply as electric vehicles rise and remote work cuts traffic.
- 2024: Owners decide to sell amid unprofitable sales.
- April 2026: Station officially closes; Starbucks conversion begins.
Signature highlights
- The site pumped 1 million gallons of gas yearly at its peak but saw volumes halve recently.
- Eddie M., a regular, called it "the end of an era" after filling up there for years.
- Starbucks' drive-thru will occupy the convenience store space, capitalizing on the area's growing need for quick coffee.
- Nationally, U.S. gas stations fell from 200,000 in 1994 to under 115,000 today.
Key quotes
"People aren't driving as much, and when they do, more are in EVs." - Station owner
"It's sad to see it go, but a Starbucks? We'll survive." - Local resident Eddie M.
Why it matters
This closure underscores how electrification and work-from-home trends are reshaping retail landscapes, forcing gas stations nationwide to pivot to food and beverage. Staten Island locals lose a landmark but gain convenience. Watch for more stations flipping to coffee shops as EV adoption hits 20% of new car sales by 2030.