Gulf

About this location

A few stories people tell about this place

1. At dawn, when most gas stations are empty and quiet, a delivery driver pulled up to Gulf. The sky was just beginning to lighten over Houston’s skyscrapers, an unusual sight for such early hours. As he filled his tank, he noticed something odd in the reflection of the pump's glass cover. Curious, he leaned closer—only to realize it was just his own reflection, grinning back at him from beneath a mound of yesterday’s lunch. With a laugh, he finished pumping gas and drove off, muttering that maybe Gulf had its own way of saying ‘good morning.’

2. At dawn, when most gas stations are empty and quiet, a delivery driver pulled up to Gulf for a quick fill-up. As he pumped gas, an old man approached him with a smile: ‘You know, son,’ he said, ‘I’ve seen you here every morning since I was a kid.’ The delivery driver blinked, surprised. ‘Really?’ he asked. The old man nodded, patting his shoulder. ‘Yep, been watching you grow up from behind the wheel of that same truck.’ They both laughed, and as the tank filled, the old man added, ‘Next time stop by my place after work—might have some coffee waiting.’

3. At dusk, when the Gulf station's neon sign flickered softly, a young boy walked in with his bicycle. The attendant noticed him flinching every time he passed the reflection of the moon on the pump's chrome surface. As the boy approached the cash register, he asked for a pack of gum. The attendant smiled and said, 'That’ll be three cents please.' The boy nodded solemnly, pulled out an old coin from his pocket, and placed it on the counter. Everyone laughed as the coin was too big for the machine—an ancient Canadian quarter worth way more than three cents.

4. At dawn, when most gas stations are empty and quiet, a delivery driver pulled up for fuel. As he approached the counter, he noticed an old, dusty toolbox left behind on the shelf. Curious, he picked it up—it opened easily, revealing a neatly wrapped package inside. Inside was a small bottle of perfume with a note scribbled in pencil: ‘For your lady friend—hope you like it!’ The delivery driver laughed, sprayed some on his hand, and sniffed it. It smelled like his neighbor’s old gardenias. He chuckled, paid for his gas, and drove off, leaving the mysterious gift on the counter for the next customer.