Delano Oil Exiting Business After 88-Year Run

ST. JAMES, Mo. — Station Break convenience stores and Delano gas stations were closed on Monday as owner Delano Oil Co. prepared to hand over the keys to St. Louis-based Midwest Petroleum Co.

"The big day is coming up on us fast now! Many of you may already know, but for those who don't, Delano Station Break will be closed on Monday, June 27 in preparation for a transition to ownership by Midwest Petroleum Co.," the St. James-based company posted on its Facebook page. "All of us here at Delano want to sincerely thank all of our loyal customers for putting faith in us to provide your fuel and convenience needs. Our 88 years wouldn't have been possible without all of you!"

The company's post said big changes will be coming, "but we are certain that Midwest will be bringing positive change to all the communities we have served. Modernization is one thing that eluded us these last few years and we are glad to finally be able to see it arrive."

According to The Rolla Daily News, Delano Oil was founded in 1928 by Jay Delano. His son Jonathan continued with the business and his grandson, also Jay Delano, is the current president.

"It's been a successful business. It was an 88-year run," Delano told the news outlet. 

Delano said he made the decision to sell the business because he was getting close to retiring and felt it was a good time to do it. It also comes as his son Jonathan, who has been involved in the family business, wanted to pursue another career, the report added.

Today, Delano Oil has 40 employees. It has five locations in Missouri: one in St. James, two in Rolla, one in Crocker and one in Dixon. Midwest Petroleum operates more than 50 corporate run gasoline and convenience food stores, along with servicing multiple dealer locations and is a marketer of ConocoPhillips branded gasoline.

"This was really my dad's baby," Delano said. "He was a detail person and he liked to solve problems."

According to the news report, Delano's grandfather moved to the Cuba, Mo., area in the early 1890s and operated a timber business where the Delano office is currently located. He decided to get into the gas station business as vehicles grew in popularity. The first station was built along Route 66 in St. James.