Holliston Gas & Market is open.  We have been watching the construction since summer. The land was cleared, new foundations built, the old building retired and a great looking business has emerged.

Holliston Gas & Market is everything that we had hoped for – convenience items for the home and a trip to Stoddard Park beach AND gasoline at the lowest prices in town. While I chatted with owner Ed (Hamed Chalak), a constant stream of cars arrived. Every time a customer begins to fill a tank, an alert bell rings inside. I asked how he could hold his price at $3.39. He said his partner Abraham Jreij has owned several stations for years so he has a long-standing relationship with his suppliers. He can broker the best prices. Lucky for us. They are already creating return customers. Their hours are good, opening at 6 am Monday through Saturday (7 am on Sunday) and not closing until 7 pm. As summer comes, the hours may be extended. It is also very easy to get a car in and out of the new station.

The products in the bright, cheerful market are varied. Besides the munchies and a wide variety of drinks, there is ice cream – already a neighborhood favorite on our few warm days. Green Mountain coffee is served at an opening special of 99 cents.  A frozen food section offers dinner entrees and pizza and the refrigerators hold eggs and milk. Automotive needs and household supplies are also offered. Ed is keeping notes on the product lines.

Ed’s wife Deborah sent me an article that she wrote.  I quote:  The owners are long-time friends from Boston University and recently became business partners. Ed is an engineer and engineering manager by education and trade, but always wanted to own a business. Growing up, he helped his father in his convenience store and was always surrounded by friends and family of gas station owners later in life…Abe, who also has advanced degrees in engineering and business, is a successful entrepreneur of Gasco gas stations located in Milford and Upton. In addition, Abe owns and operates Mobico Auto Sales of Milford, which is a high-end used car dealership specializing in foreign brands…Ed and Abe’s partnership extends to the new Gasco Full Service Station, formerly known as Sunoco located in downtown Westborough.

Asked if there were any glitches so far, Ed said they have been very pleased. Except for the day they had trouble with the telephone. That meant credit cards did not go through. A lady from Franklin had $50 of gas in her car when the phone went down and her card was no good. Ed took her name and number and sent her on her way. The next day she stopped back and paid her bill. Their motto is “treat customers as you would want to be treated”. A few neighbors have admitted being against the new business at first, but have been delighted with the lighting, the appearance of the station and the gas prices. The same price is charged for cash or credit, but check to make sure your credit card is honored. Some card companies have a very large charge, too big for a small business to handle.

Ed was happy to know that this article was going on the Internet via HollistonReporter.com so his friends and family in Lebanon can read it. Come try Holliston Gas & Market as you drive down Norfolk Street. I think you will be pleased. I warned him that we will still probably call the business “Penny Saver”.

(Note: Although the price of gas has increased a few cents, it's still the lowest in town.)