Which Gas Station Chains Have the Best Food in the Midwest?

When it comes to gas station food, some places are just better than others! USA Today has released their 10Best list for the best gas stations to stop for food, and there are some familiar names on the list.

Unfortunately, the top gas station chain on USA Today's list is one that we don't have here in Iowa. It's called Royal Farms, and it has locations in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, and North Carolina. The chain is best known for its fried chicken.

The good news is that we DO have the second place chain here in Iowa! In fact, the chain was founded in our state. Congratulations to CASEY'S!

Casey's is, of course, known for its pizza. Especially the breakfast pizza! And speaking of pizza, Casey's has just launched a brand new one for the summer. In honor of National BBQ Day on May 16th, the chain is now offering BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza! It's topped with Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce, mozzarella cheese, slow-smoked pulled pork, bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and pickles.

According to the official press release, Casey’s is also introducing the King’s Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders. The article reads:

"These limited-time sandwiches are made with hand-trimmed, slow-smoked pulled pork, topped with Sweet Baby Ray's^® barbecue sauce and thick-cut pickles and served on three King's Hawaiian^® slider buns for only $6.49."

In third place on USA Today's list is another familiar chain here in Iowa... Kwik Trip/Kwik Star! The Wisconsin-based company has more than 500 locations in its home state, plus over 200 in Minnesota, and 140 in Iowa. Kwik Star's top-selling item is the Glazer, a delicious glazed donut.

Here are the rest of the top ten gas station chains with the best food:

• #4 - Rutter's
  • No Midwest locations
• #5 - TravelCenters of America
  • Locations in all Midwest states
• #6 - Maverik
  • Midwest locations in Nebraska and South Dakota
• #7 - QuickChek
  • No Midwest locations
• #8 - Weigel's
  • No Midwest locations
• #9 - QuikTrip
  • Midwest locations in Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Nebraska, and Kansas
• #10 - Buc-ee's
  • One Midwest location in Springfield, Missouri

If you're curious about the best gas station brands overall, USA Today has a top ten list for that, too:

1. Kwik Trip
2. Hy-Vee
3. Casey's
4. Royal Farms
5. RaceTrac
6. Maverik
7. Rutter's
8. TravelCenters of America
9. QuikTrip
10. Buc-ee's

Which gas station chain is your #1 favorite? Let us know in the comments or by sending us a message on our station app!