Sunday 2 October 2022 06:54 PM Family-run Mobil gas station near Yosemite becomes one of California's hottest ... trends now
A family-run Mobil gas station has emerged as a must-visit foodie destination for locals and travelers alike near Yosemite National Park - offering fresh-to-order fare such as ribs, tacos, and even sashimi.
The Mobil, located in a remote outpost in the shadow of the Sierra Nevadas above Mono Lake, is located in the small mountain town of Lee Vining, which swells with tourists and travelers during the summer.
Known to locals as Tioga Gas Mart, the store is conveniently situated about 20 minutes from Yosemite's eastern gate at Tuolumne Meadows, and has been in the family of Dennis Domaille, 71, and his daughter, Denise Molnar, since 1996.
Despite being located in a one-street kind of town that travelers might drive through without thought, business at the de facto rest top is booming - nonstop from open until close, its operators say.
Why, you might ask? Because here, in addition to filling up their tank, travelers themselves can fill up on an extensive list of menu items than includes grilled pork chops, barbecue baby back ribs, carnitas tacos, and ahi sashimi.
All are made fresh and cooked to order, its owners say - effectively creating a little-known local hangout that serves as a watering hole for those traversing the winding Walker River Canyon.
The Mobil, located in a remote outpost in the shadow of the Sierra Nevadas above Mono Lake, is located in the small mountain town of Lee Vining, which swells with tourists and travelers during the summer
Known to locals as Tioga Gas Mart, the store is conveniently situated about 20 minutes from Yosemite's eastern gate, offers a full food menu - as well as outdoor events such as picnics and concerts, as well as barbecues and an array of other community gatherings
It has been in the family of Dennis Domaille, 71, and his daughter, Denise Molnar, since 1996
'If you blink, you'll miss it,' said owner Denise Molnar, who started working at the Mobil when she was 14.
In the 27 years since, Molnar, 41, helped her dad open up and build the business from the ground up.
Dennis Domaille, an electrician and a contractor, had owned the land on which the gas station is situated for years, and decided to open a small mom-and-pop gas station.
It has since burgeoned into a full-scale restaurant with chefs and food and drink service, that is also equipped with camping supply store, wine shop, craft beer store, and bookstore.
Also available to travelers is a souvenir kiosk where customers can purchase Sierra Nevada-related souvenirs such as stuffed bears, posters with John Muir quotes, and guidebooks to navigating the historic mountain range.
The gas station also regularly offers outdoor events such as picnics and concerts, as well as barbecues and an array of other community gatherings.
Just one of the delicious dishes on offer at the gas station, which puts others to shame with its fresh food
Sporting a drink menu and a breathtaking view of Mono Laka below and, to the west, the awe-inspiring Dana Plateau that pierces the clear Northern California sky, the site is a go-to meetup spot that attracts both a catalog or regulars and
