In the small community of Afton, Wyoming, Maverik is more than just a gas station; it’s a central hub, a gathering place, and an integral part of daily life. For years, people have taken its convenient location, competitive prices, and wide selection for granted. That is until it began undergoing a major remodel.
Now that it is being remodeled, people realize how much they depend on it. Whether you buy gas, food, or energy drinks there, you probably have a relationship with Maverik. Placed in the middle of Afton, Maverik is, by far, the most popular store in town. Sure, there are other gas stations in town such as Sinclare and Chevron, but Maverik is by far the most convenient with the cheapest prices.
Before the renovations began, Maverik was already the undisputed king of convenience in Afton, the largest town in the valley. The store is often the first stop for anyone heading out of or returning to town. The station is a one-stop shop where locals can fuel up, grab a snack, buy energy drinks, stock up on necessities, or air up their tires. It has the kind of accessibility and familiarity that makes it hard to imagine life without it. But now, as the remodel progresses, residents are starting to realize just how much they depend on Maverik. It’s a reminder that, despite the town’s relatively small size, people often forget how essential certain places can become until they are no longer there.
Maverik actually started in Afton. According to Maverik’s website, “In 1928, 20-year-old Reuel Call opened a two-pump gas station in Afton, Wyoming with money he earned from renting roller skates. The business soon grew, and he started providing fuel to surrounding towns and ranches.” For almost 100 years Maverik has been serving the people of Afton.
The competition in Afton—Sinclair and Chevron—might offer gas, but they don’t provide the same comprehensive selection of goods or the same level of convenience. Sinclair is often a bit pricier and not as centrally located, while Chevron offers similar products but doesn’t quite have the same community feel as it also serves as a service shop. Maverik, on the other hand, has become more than just a place to refuel. It’s a place where people check in with familiar faces, catch up on the latest town gossip, and grab the last-minute items they need.
It’s not just about the gas prices either, though they’re certainly a draw. Maverik’s well-stocked convenience store offers everything from hot sandwiches to chips, cold drinks, and coffee—all at affordable prices. The long aisles of snacks and quick grab-and-go meals have made it a local favorite for everything from road trips to midnight cravings. It’s often the place where people pop in for a quick break during their busy day. And when the gas prices fluctuate, Maverik’s competitive pricing means that no matter what’s going on in the wider economy, locals know they can count on a decent deal.
For the people of Afton, Maverik has a special place in their hearts. It’s more than just a gas station; it’s a symbol of convenience, affordability, and community. The remodel may have interrupted daily life for a little while, but it’s also been a wake-up call, reminding residents how much they rely on the small conveniences that make their lives easier. Maverik has always been there, and when the remodel is finished, it will likely be even better—and the town will be even more grateful for its presence.
For now, though, people are counting the days until they can once again fill their tanks, restock on snacks, and chat with their neighbors at Maverik—the place that, more than they realized, keeps Star Valley running.
What’s Your Go-To Thing from Maverik?