Sunoco becomes local attraction with sign, car
The Sunoco Gas Station at 14531 N. Cleveland Avenue has become a local attraction of sorts.
The station has two eye-catching displays visible from the busy road that are making people turn around on the highway and come in.
The first is a huge sign that reads, “American owned and operated.”
The second is a classic 1951 Hudson with “For Sale” written on the windows.
A local resident has the car for sale so the station owner, Dan Strong, let her put the car on his property so many could see it. His sign stating his business is American owned and operated gets even more looks and visits.
“We probably have five or six people a day say they turn around because we have that sign — and many for the car — a day,” said Strong.
He said he came up with the idea for promoting his business with the patriotic sign because of the times.
“By being American owned and operated, it’s just a way to keep money in the community. I live in the community, and when you shop in stores that aren’t American owned and operated, I belive monies may not make their way back here. More people are realizing that’s important, and they do turn around and come in.”
Strong said he moved to North Fort Myers in 2002 from Michigan, and really loves the area and the people in the community.
He also said he wanted to offer competitive prices in the area to help individuals in the community, particularly in food that is served there, gas prices and cigarettes.
Many locals stop just to say hello and patronize his shop because of the two displays.
Local resident Jeddie Morgan said he supports the business because of the American business angle.
“I think everyone should, in light of what’s going on in the country,” Morgan said.
He said he sees many of the same faces when he comes in, and he’s seen many come in just to look at the car.
It’s the appeal of Americana they both said.