‘Best Gas Station for Food’: NJ's own QuickChek ranks in top 10

QuickChek is having a buzz-worthy moment, as the New Jersey-based convenience store chain was ranked as the number two "Best Gas Station for Food" in the country.

The Whitehouse Station-based chain now has 162 stores — including 101 locations with fuel — across New Jersey, New York's Hudson Valley and Long Island.

The store's menu offerings include Red Bull infusion drinks, "All Day Breakfast" — with English muffin, biscuit or waffle breakfast sandwiches plus "Fresh to Go" items that include sandwiches, wraps and salads.

Plus, pulled pork subs and pulled pork mac & cheese, when available.

"We’re honored to continue to be recognized as one of the best-in-class brands in America," said QuickChek Divisional Vice President Don Leech, following the announcement.

Another gas station convenience chain in NJ, Royal Farms, ranked number 10 on the list.

Royal Farms now has 16 locations in state — all with fuel and most in South Jersey.

The furthest north are in Manville and Brick. Royal Farms are also located in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

The franchise has built a strong reputation for its fried chicken — while also offering a breakfast menu all day, plus sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs and their popular fried chicken.

Maybe drinks also put them over the top, with "milkshakes made with real ice cream and dairy-fresh milk that you can create yourself at their blending bar," according to the list.

So, which chain beat QuickChek for the top spot?

It doesn't have any east coast locations.

Utah-based Maverik was ranked at number one for "Best Gas Station for Food."

The chain that runs across 10 states of the western U.S. offers its own "Bonfire Food" brand within each gas station store.

By now, lots of NJ residents are wondering where their beloved Wawa was ranked.

Brace yourself — it wasn't in the top 10.

For the devotees sniffling over their sizzlies or hoagies — there's always next year.

With stores in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida and Washington, D.C. — Wawa also recently broke ground on its first location in North Carolina.

Voting for the USA TODAY "10 Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards" for 2023 was carried out online just in time for the summer, with categories for food, lodging, destinations, travel gear and things to do. The full list is here.

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