Across Brunswick, Columbus, and Horry counties, unlikely kitchens inside fuel stops are drawing loyal followings and redefining what “gas‑station food” means.
By BC News Staff Writers
Gas‑station food isn’t what it used to be. Across Brunswick, Columbus, and Horry counties, a handful of unassuming fuel stops are turning out fried chicken, full meals, and made‑to‑order dishes that rival small restaurants and locals are taking notice. What was once a last‑resort snack stop has quietly become one of the region’s most unexpected food trends.
In Columbus County, Waccamaw Speedy Mart in Lake Waccamaw has long been known for its fried chicken, biscuits, and plate lunches that rival small diners. It’s the kind of place where locals stop not because they need gas, but because they’re hungry.
On the eastern edge of the county, the Exxon station in Riegelwood, located at 2192 Old Stage Highway operates a full Krispy Krunchy Chicken kitchen inside. The Cajun‑seasoned chicken, tenders, and biscuits have become a reliable stop for Highway 87 traffic and residents traveling between Wilmington and inland Columbus communities.
Brunswick County’s most prominent example is Royal Farms in Sunset Beach, a spotless, high‑volume store known for its pressure‑fried chicken and western fries. It’s one of the few national chains already operating in the region with a full kitchen, and its steady beach‑season crowds show how quickly travelers have embraced it. And even though it’s not in Brunswick County, a short skip across the bridge brings you to New Hanover County’s newest arrival and the first Wawa in the Wilmington area, located at 6800 Carolina Beach Road. The store features a full made‑to‑order kitchen and is already drawing steady traffic from Brunswick residents heading toward Monkey Junction and Wilmington.
In Horry County, Dodge’s Store in North Myrtle Beach has become a steady stop for hot, cooked food – fried chicken, tenders, wedges, and quick meals that draw both locals and beach traffic. The Highway 17 location operates a full hot‑food kitchen, making it one of the county’s most consistent examples of the growing gas‑station food trend.
And while it sits outside the Horry County area, Buc‑ee’s in Florence, South Carolina has become a regional landmark for many local travelers. Its carved‑to‑order brisket sandwiches, bakery, and massive food operation have turned it into a must‑stop for any traveler heading south on I‑95.
Together, these locations reflect a broader shift: gas stations are no longer just fuel stops. They’re becoming food destinations, each with its own identity, loyal customers, and place in the local landscape. What was once an afterthought is now a growing part of the region’s food culture and in many cases, a surprisingly good meal.
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