Outside of a few Sprint stores I have not seen much evidence of national or regional chain operations, franchise or otherwise, taking advantage of the availability of vacant gas stations.

The locations are valuable of course.  Lots of the old stations have been torn down over the years to create vacant, buildable land in prime locations, but I have seen very few occupying the existing structures.

So it was great to see these two on my way back from the Kumquat Festival in Dade City, Florida.

Both the Krispy Kreme and the Starbucks are in Lakeland.

On this same trip, I found this delightful classic in a neighborhood in Dade City.  Yes, there used to be neighborhood gas stations.  This one’s being used as a residence.

All photos by Ron Haines.  Go here to see my entire collection of recycled gas stations.