Wednesday, January 27, 2010

SNELL'S GAS'N'GO IN BUFFALO NEWS

The Niagara section of Tuesday's Buffalo News featured a front page story about Snell's Gas'n'Go. Here is the intro from that article; the rest of the article touches on the store's convenience and offerings as well as the history of the site. Check it out at:

http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/niagaracounty/story/935367.html




HARTLAND — The spanking new white interior beckons customers inside for a steaming cup of hot coffee at Snell’s Gas’n’Go in “Hartland Corners,” and a large sepia photograph of the site dating back to the early 1900s graces the wall behind the counter, giving a nod to the past.

The new shop is creating a small buzz in this rural town, which was known as a beehive of activity two centuries ago, before the Erie Canal and railroad set a different course for travelers and residents.

“This is a little town, so when something new happens, everybody knows about it,” said Beverley Snell.

Snell, town clerk the past 23 years, is in on the new venture, with her husband, Don.

Last July, the Snells tore down the tiny storefront gas station at 8393 Ridge Road (Route 104) that had stood there for close to a century to make room for their new shop.

They opened the 1,700-square-foot shop several weeks ago, realizing a dream they’ve had the past 20 years. The shop is at the crossroads of Ridge and Hartland roads, and is adjacent to the auto repair shop Don operated with his brother, Merle, for 40 years before Merle’s retirement last year. Don continues to operate the repair shop.

“We call this ‘downtown Hartland,’ ” joked Don Snell.