Gasoline Alley is a approximately three square mile area of northwest Denton with an inordinate number of gas stations selling exactly what you think such establishments would be selling -- potato chips and beer.   (and maybe some gasoline on the side) 

Even with each station's prices clearly visible for all to see from the other's pumps, per gallon prices vary wildly with often a difference of 20+/- cents between the highest and lowest seller.
 

Creation of the Alley

While favorable zoning is likely an obvious factor, it remains an enigma why this particular intersection is oh so saturated with gas stations.   True, University Drive/US380 is a significant exit on I-35 no matter if your heading north or south.  And the crossing is the last major stop for those heading to Decatur and other points west.   But neither explain how that alone can support seven separate places to fuel up.

Maybe this is a holdover from another time?   Back in the day, this area was somewhat busier.  Denton Regional Medical Center was previously built just northwest of the intersection.  And a Kmart was just a little further east on the northwest corner with Bonnie Brae.  Even a self storage sat on a small plat surrounded by a fields about half way in between.  However, none have been around for a long long time.  The first relocating to South Denton at IH35E and State School Road in 2003, the second closing in 2002, the self storage being demolished in 2007.

Even Rayzor Ranch was still basically just it's namesake ranch until recently.  Prior to 2011, McDonalds, Braum's, and the Albertsons shopping center were the only operating significant non-gasoline commercial establishments around the Alley and they really have not been there that long either.   McDonalds and Braums in the late 1990s.  Albertsons in the late 1980s.    Beyond that, a whole lot of nothing for a long long LONG time.

The majority of Denton is simply closer to other more convenient gas stations closer to the population centers.  

Yet, here all these gas stations are.  Still.  Where they seem to have always been.  Weird.
 

Impact to the Area

Some say 38.23% of all gasoline sales in all of Denton occur from these establishments.   However, such a statistic might also be a completely made up number intended to gain reader attention similar to a cable news style talking point.  Might be true, though.
 

Gas Stations in the Alley

380 Cheveron/Subway
Station with arguably the best real estate, sitting on the northeast corner of the IH35 intersection since the early 1990s.   Prices per gallon are usually 10+/- cents higher per gallon than the lowest priced competition.  

Fiesta Mart (Valero)
Closed as of March 2012.  Long established station which was on northeast side of intersection between Dairy Queen and Miller Shell.  Also was known for their BBQ

Golden Express Travel Center (Conoco/Phillips)
Last station on right heading west before reaching the railroad bridge (or first on the left, depending on how you look at it.   This station and it's large sign both look and have been there for at least 30+/- years and appears to be continuing to decline.  Prices per gallon are usually 5+/- cents higher than the lowest in the Alley.​

Millennium Shell
On northeast side of intersection between Fiesta Mart and Golden Express Travel Center.  Oddly within walking distance of the Shell Gas located just on the other side of the Dairy Queen.  As with all stations on this side, has been in business for at least 25 years.  Often matches the price per gallon set by Golden Express Travel Center, give or take a penny.

QuikTrip
Only station on the south side of University Drive/US380, and the first one on the right if you're driving in from the west (or last on the left, depending on how you look at it).   This station is the newest on the block, opening in late 2011.  Along with RaceTrac, it usually sets the lowest price per gallon and is often busy as Dentonites like their cheep gas.

RaceTrac
On the northeast side of the intersection, neighboring Braums.   Built around 2000 and along with QuickTrip, it usually sets the lowest price per gallon and is often busy because of the Dentonites liking cheep gas thing.

Sams Club
Should be called the Walmart Gas Station as it really sits in their parking lot instead of Sams Club.  But they're both corporate siblings so I guess it's ok.   Whatever the name, it is just on the otherside of the RaceTrac.  Built in 2010 and requires a paid membership to the Sams Club to use, probably negating any price per gallon savings you might receive when compared to other options which require no such membership.

Shell Gas
On northeast side of intersection between Dairy Queen and Sonic.  Still oddly within walking distance of Millennium Shell.  Was a Texaco prior to the Shell merger, and had closed in 2010 due to lack of business.  Reopened in 2011 under new ownership but still suffers from the same lack of business.    Prices per gallon are usually 15+/- cents higher than it's lowest price competition and uses a nice new LED price sign to advertise it.  ​