Friday, February 18, 2000
Southgate dealer still pumps fuel
BY JANE PRENDERGAST
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SOUTHGATE — Everybody's complaining about gas prices. Higher than in years. At least there's Kenny.
Meet Kenny Strange. At his Ken's Kar Kare in Southgate, the price isn't always prettier. But at least he pumps it.
“I've been in business for so long,” he explained. “We've always done it this way.”
Mr. Strange, in the gas business 35 years, is one of a few station operators who still run outside when a car dings the bell.
“I can't point to one (full-pump station) off the top of my head,” said Mike Kunnen, president of the Greater Cincinnati Gasoline Dealers Association.
Some stations still have some full-service pumps — Swifty, for example, in Florence and Norwood. Some pump for certain customers — elderly people, disabled people. But all-pump, all-the-time? Not many.
The old-fashioned way is appreciated. So much so that many customers have been pulling in to Ken's for years.
Like Amy McCoy. The Newport mother drove up to Ken's unleaded pump Thursday afternoon. She asked for $10 worth.
“I usually have my kids with me, so it's nice not to have to get out of the car, especially when it's cold or hot,” she said. “And I think the quality's better and sometimes it's even cheaper.”
Thursday's basic price: $1.45 for regular, $1.62 for higher octane.
Mr. Strange dispensed her gas and threw in a window wash, too.
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Southgate dealer still pumps fuel
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