Deep Patel is only 21, but he and his parents own a successful chain of CSRA gas stations/convenience stores.
Patel serves as CEO of Gas World, a company with locations throughout Augusta, including Walton Way, Deans Bridge Road, and Windsor Spring Road. By the end of next month, they plan to open their seventh location next door to Harvard’s Wine & Beverage at 116 Old Evans Road in Martinez.
“We have a pretty diverse chain of stores,” he said. “Every customer knows what to expect every single time.”
That’s because the Patels go beyond knowing their customers on a first-name basis. Some even have their customer’s cell phone numbers.
“We’re very engaging; Your customers have to feel like they’re coming into a neighborhood store,” Patel said.
He said that’s why the company is growing so quickly. They’re looking at five other sites to build stores in 2023. They opened their first location on Windsor Spring Road in Hephzibah in 2019.
Growing up, his parents owned a store in Millen, so he now prefers to do all his shopping at mom-and-pop stores.
Patel said they pay close attention to not only their employees, but also their customers.
“You get a lot of feedback from your customers,” he said.
The Patels also lead by example and show their employees that no task is beneath anyone on the team, including the owners.
“You become a boss and a leader,” he said. “They see me picking up trash.”
Patel said that’s why they have better employee retention than other chains.
All Gas World stores sell BP/Amoco gas and Georgia Lottery tickets, and most sell food. But it’s not your traditional gas station fare, which typically consists of fried chicken and hot dogs. Instead, they have hired a vendor from Florida to serve Mexican fast-food items, such as tacos and burritos.
“We’re the only chain in this area that does that,” he said.
Besides Gas World, the family also owns two Liquor Land locations in Evans and Grovetown.
The new store will be open Monday through Saturday from 5 a.m. to 12 midnight and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, visit gasworldstores.com/.
