Are these more than just gas stations?

Readers answer: Kansas Citians’ favorite gas stations

Nothing says true love like hot dogs on roller grills. | Photo by KCtoday

Answered: What’s your favorite gas station? Kansas Citians love their gas stations — and no, this isn’t the same everywhere. Editor Travis has never seen anyone get as pumped about convenience stores as folks do in KC. Afterall, it’s just a gas station... right?

Wrong. We asked you your favorite (and why), and you did not leave us stranded on empty.

⛽️ “QuikTrip, hands down. Professional, quick, clean, and courteous — this company has it together. Employees are well trained and plentiful, and if they see a line form at the pay-inside registers, they’ll bring another employee to help check out. The stores are well designed and spacious in the gas pump areas, and they take Apple Pay at the pump. They are always super clean inside, and they don’t smell like Pine-Sol. (I’m looking at you 7-Eleven)” — Greg M.

⛽️ “I never considered that KC folks had a favorite gas station, but you’re right we do, and we are strangely passionate about them. Who knew...Personally, I have no favorite, but I’ve noticed they all have features that attract loyal followers:

QT: The McDonald’s of gas stations. Every QT in the world looks exactly like the rest, and everything is in exactly the same place. Do you need a bag of Funyuns in Denver, Austin, or KC? Take a left at the front door, first set of shelves on your left...
Love’s: Sadly not enough around here, but if you’re on the road with your dog, you can count on their pet park.
Casey’s: Only if your radio is permanently set to 106.5 The Wolf...
7-Eleven: The world’s greatest flea market/gas station.” — Ken W., Olathe

⛽️ “Hands down it’s Casey’s. It doesn’t matter about the location. Clean, organized, and pizza that is tasty.” — Matt S., Waldo

6 MORE OPINIONS

What’s the best gas station convenience store around KC?

A. QuikTrip
B. Casey’s
C. Love’s
D. 7-Eleven
E. Other

Take 20 seconds to settle the debate once and for all.

AT YOUR CONVENIENCE

Click here to have your event featured.

Today, Jan. 13

General Tire Arenacross Outlaws | Friday, Jan. 13-Saturday, Jan. 14 | 7 p.m. | Hale Arena, 1701 American Royal Ct., Kansas City, MO | $15-$37 | Arenacross (read: dirt bike racing and freestyle motocross) comes to the West Bottoms in one of its ten seasonal race performances.
Live Band Emo/Punk Karaoke | Friday, Jan. 13 | 7-11 p.m. | The Rino, 314 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO | $15-$18 | Sing your favorite punk rock song alongside a live band (like you’ve always dreamed), presented by ice cream shop Sweet EMOtion KC.

Saturday, Jan. 14

2nd Annual “I Have A Dream (Home)” Action Event & MLK Celebration | Saturday, Jan. 14 | 4-5:30 p.m. | Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS | Free | The 60-minute program of local artist, poets, educators, and speakers will be followed by a 30-minute reception.
Family Game Night | Saturday, Jan. 14 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | KC Improv, 4010 Pennsylvania Ave.,, Kansas City, MO | $6-$10 | Bring the kids, grandma, and the rest of the family for an hour packed full of improvised games, scenes and characters.
2023 Chinese New Year Gala (KCCA) | Saturday, Jan. 14 | 7 p.m. | Midwest Trust Center, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS | $18 | Experience talented performers + a celebration of cultural traditions.

Sunday, Jan. 15

Cute Caps Workshop | Sunday, Jan. 15 | 1 p.m. | Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm, 1200 Kansas City Rd., Olathe, KS | $15 | Create your own Civil War era cap with cotton, silk, and ribbons.
KC Roller Warriors Bout | Sunday, Jan. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Skate City Wyandotte, 7838 Washington Ave., Kansas City, KS | $10 | This rollder derby bout (match) pits the theme of “black ice” against “yellow snow” — with festivities including merch sales, snacks, and an afterparty.

Monday, Jan. 16

MLK Jr. Day of Service | Monday, Jan. 16 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Olathe Indian Creek, 16100 W. 135th St., Olathe, KS | Free | Head to the library for family-friendly service projects and crafts, followed by two movies about MLK.

Sunday, Jan. 29

Folly Kids Series: Warriors Don’t Cry | Sunday, Jan. 29 | 2 p.m. | Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St, Kansas City, MO | $10 | Inspired by Dr. Melba Pattillo Beals’s Little Rock Nine memoir, “Warriors Don’t Cry,” this production is designed to spark discussion around social justice, activism + freedom.*

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

38º | Partly cloudy | 1% chance of rain

Award

The votes are in. Patrick Mahomes won the Walter Payton Man of the Year Charity Challenge, a social media campaign voted on by fans. His foundation — 15 and the Mahomies — will receive $25,000. KC’s QB1 is the third Chiefs player in a row to win the national vote. 🏆
The NFL recognized Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon as the AFC Offensive Player of the Month. McKinnon became the first rusher since 1970 with a touchdown reception in five consecutive games. He finished the season with 291 running yards and 512 receiving yards. (Kansas City Star)

Sports

KC Current selected Michelle Cooper from Duke in the first round of the NWSL draft, trading forward Lynn Williams for NJ/NY Gotham FC’s second overall pick. Cooper captained the U-20 USWNT and was described by announcers as a “relentless goal scorer.” Here are the other picks. ⚽️
Sporting KC signed German left back Tim Leibold through the 2025 season with a fourth year option. The 29-year-old defender amassed 20 goals + 40 assists in Germany’s top two divisions, and he’s played in five matches for his home country. KC’s home opener is set for Saturday, March 11.
The NFL approved Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for a potential Chiefs vs. the Bills AFC Championship game. The neutral site was chosen due to the cancellation of the Bills’ Week 17. The game would take place at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Jan. 29. 🏟

Travel

Build KCI crews are hosting a public open house to show off the new $1.5 billion terminal before it officially opens. The event is Saturday, Feb. 18, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and features on-site experts, artists, and a scavenger hunt. Attendees must register in advance online. ✈️ (FOX4)

Edu

Kansas City Public Schools is now considering closing two schools in fall 2023, down from 10 recommended in October. Longfellow + Troost elementaries remain on the list due to enrollment, maintenance costs, and safety hazards. The district’s repurposing program has received national praise. (KCUR)

Biz

Meta — Facebook’s parent company — purchased the remaining land around its planned 350-acre data center in the Northland. The tech company now owns all 880 acres designated for the tech park. Meta confirmed the purchase but denied additional construction plans. (Kansas City Business Journal)

Show

Comedian Dixie Longate is coming back to Starlight Indoors with a brand new comedy tour: “Cherry Bombs & Bottle Rockets.” The “Tupperware lady” will perform at the Cohen Community Stage House Friday, Feb. 3-Saturday, Feb. 4. Tickets start at $32. 🧨

Eat

The holiday season is over, and so is Gingerbread Lane at the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Save a home from the wrecking ball (probably a jaw breaker) — anyone who visits on Monday, Jan. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. can take home a gingerbread house for free. Show this post for half-off admission.

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Road repair 101

Pothole facts and resources for Kansas City, Missouri

We prefer the ice cream version of rocky road. | Photo by KCtoday

We all shake our fists at city hall when we rattle down a bumpy road (aka: Broadway Boulevard) — it’s only natural. But it’s hard to grasp the scope of what we’re dealing with when we talk about street infrastructure. Consider that:

The US has the world’s biggest road network with over 4 million miles of paved roads. That’s 6,000 lane miles in KCMO alone.
US roads handle a ton of wear and tear. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates upwards of 3.2 trillion miles traveled on roads in 2019.
Weather takes its toll on roads, too, by expanding and contracting concrete. Rising temperatures could add $19 billion a year to road costs by 2040.

Whew, that’s a lot to keep up with.

Disrepaired roads are dangerous, and they cost motorists ~$1,000 a year. Help out by reporting potholes to 311 (or in KC, on the myKCMO app).

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Travis.

Editor’s pick: My good friend and former roommate Jonathan recently gave me the gift of a Glencairn glass for whiskey tasting, so I’ve got to ask — what’s the best local whiskey? I find I like ryes and Irish whiskeys best, but anything is fair game. Email me, and I might feature your answer in my next Wrap.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Plan Ahead for Valentine’s Day with these events.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Bella Rainey, Travis Meier, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Amanda Munsey | Advertise with us.

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