Oakview Shell

I bought a Powerball ticket here and didn’t win tonight. Fuck this place. Nice guy behind the register though. He gets 5 stars

I live right down the street from this Shell… and I have spent much money in the past there because it is so very close. But not anymore.
This is what happened: I was calling around every gas station near by looking for USA Today’s paper because they created a special paper for Back to the Future Day (of which I thought I needed today’s, but it comes out tomorrow it turns out). I called to find out if Shell could kindly hold a copy for me, and I would also gladly pay in advance for the kindness. (Ojai Chevron was willing to hold one for me without question, but I wanted to go somewhere closer). I first spoke with a young woman there.
Me: «Hello! I was curious if tomorrow’s paper could be held for me tomorrow morning? Just a copy? I could come and pay in advance, as I am only right down the street.»
Woman: «I don’t know. Well, no. It’s first come first serve.»
Me: «Well, Ojai Chevron was more than willing to hold a copy. Could you check with the manager and see please?»
Woman: «*Sighs with aggrevation* Yeah, Ill ask. One second.»
*On hold for 2 minutes*
Owner (Albert I think is his name): «Yes?»
Me: «Hi!? …um…is this the manager?»
Owner: «What do you need?»
Me: «I was curious if tomorrow’s paper could be held for me tomorrow morning? Just a copy? I could come and pay in advance, and I thought I would ask because you are much closer than Chevron and they said they would?»
Owner: «I don’t really know. I can ask if the guy will leave an extra copy. That’s all I can tell ya.»
And disconnected the call.
I call back.
Owner: «Hello, Oak View Shell.»
Me: «Hi there! I didn’t give you my name :) «
Owner: *VERY rude tone* «The girl here knows. Just talk to her in the morning.»
Me: «Thank you.»
I was so angry. All I asked was for a paper to be held. I just didn’t want to have to go all the way to Ojai because I do not have a car. BUT, Ojai Cheveron WINS. I will no longer be spending my money at Shell Oak View, CA.

Open late, Always clean & Great employees. That is what makes a business a business. The gas prices are usually on point with others, sometimes cheaper. However I notice when I come here vs. Other gas stations my tank stays fuller longer. Its better quality so I will spend a few extra cents when needed.

My favorite thing about this gas station is the convenience. It’s not the cheapest price, but it’s clean, open late and has a bathroom that’s easy to access. I can’t tell you the times I’ve been on my way home and need to stop and this Shell station has always been there for me.

I stopped here while passing through Oakvew. I am not local. After filling up, the pump asked me if I wanted a carwash, I picked the premium wash. When I got to the carwash however, it was closed. Annoyed I went to the counter for a refund, which was when the girl at the counter bluntly said «we do not refund car washes» and told me I would have to come back when it was open to redeem it. Never again. Boycott boycott boycott.

Best stop for gas, and also has a great minimart.

Of course, this is just a regular Shell Gas Station. Because, it’s a large company. So, they should all be the same.
…or is it?
I’ve been going here for all of my goodie, candy and ice cream fixes for literally over 10 years now. It is owned by a man named Al Buczkowski, and, he’s owned it since before I was born. He’s well known around the town, and, best known for him owning the local Shell Gas Station. Unfortunately, he’s a shorter and chubbier man who does not talk very much and allows his younger niece/​granddaughter/​etc (I forgot how they’re related…) work the cash register at times. However, I haven’t seen much of her lately so she could possibly have stopped now — or, Al stopped having her come in.
Anyways, since our town is extremely small, this is a huge place to go to. They have all kinds of things — spirits, toilet paper, soda, etc. It’s a great convenience store that’s also a gas station and they even carry things you wouldn’t expect it to when you look at it. Candles? Catfood? Cereal? They have it! Need toothpaste, cooking oil, or even tortillas? They have that as well!
What makes this place shine is the workers and employees they have working there. I even know one of the employees personally because she’s been a family friend since I was a kid. Another employee in there works the graveyard shift and is one of my friend’s dads. There is a lady that works the cash register, Judie, that is a sweetheart and once you become a regular she always talks to you and even be-​friends you. She always says «Hi», «How are you?», «What’s up girly?» and things like that to me and I love going in there during her shift just for that reason. She always jokes with the customers and she’s awesome. We even talked about Harry Potter one day which was the coolest thing.
There is one employee, Maria, who is a little introverted because she dosen’t really talk to people until she warms up to them. My father was given dirty looks by her until one day he finally talked to her and now they are better — but, not nearly as nice as Judie is.
So, that’s all I have to say about it really. Because, if I did say anything else it would just be reviewing Shell Gasoline in general and I don’t believe I should do that.
Definitely say hi to Judie for me! She’s a brunette and she’s the bubbly cashier.