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Why Casey's General Store Is My Unexpected Roadside Obsession Okay, hear me out: I never thought I’d be the kind of person who gets excited about a gas station. But Casey’s General Store? That place is on a whole different level. If you’ve ever been on a road trip through the Midwest—or honestly, if you just live anywhere near one—you probably know what I’m talking about. There’s just something about Casey’s that turns a simple pit stop into the highlight of the drive. The First Time I Walked Into Casey’s My first Casey’s experience is burned into my memory. I was driving through Iowa, running dangerously low on gas and caffeine. I pulled into this unassuming little store, thinking I’d grab a coffee and maybe a stale donut. Let me tell you, I was NOT ready for what awaited me. The smell of fresh pizza hit me the second I walked in. I’m not exaggerating when I say it stopped me in my tracks. Pizza. At a gas station. At 9:30 in the morning. Not only did they have pizza, but they had breakfast pizza. I’m talking fluffy eggs, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, all on this perfectly chewy crust. I was skeptical, but that first bite? Life-changing. I texted my best friend immediately: “You will not BELIEVE this gas station pizza.” And then I went back for a second slice. Zero regrets. It’s More Than Just Pizza—It’s a Whole Vibe Don’t get me wrong, Casey’s pizza is the star of the show, but there’s so much more. The people who work there? Genuinely friendly. I’ve had full-on conversations with cashiers about the best donut flavors (glazed twist, duh) and the weather in Nebraska (always unpredictable). There’s something wholesome and old-school about the whole place. It kind of feels like the community’s unofficial hangout spot, where you can grab a slice, catch up on local news, and fill your tank all in one go. And the food selection? Way beyond your standard convenience store. I’ve found homemade breakfast sandwiches, surprisingly good fried chicken, fresh-baked cookies, and even salads that don’t look sad. Plus, the coffee is actually decent, not the burnt stuff you brace yourself for at most gas stations. I may or may not have made detours just to find a Casey’s when I’m on the road. A Midwest Legend (With Loyal Fans to Prove It) Here’s the thing: Casey’s isn’t just a convenience store, it’s a low-key cultural icon. I’ve seen people debate their favorite Casey’s pizza toppings like it’s a matter of life or death (sausage and pepperoni is unbeatable, don’t @ me). There are Facebook groups, memes, even Casey’s merch. I once met a trucker in Missouri who told me he plans his routes around Casey’s locations. That’s commitment. And let’s talk about those deals. Their rewards app is actually worth it—free pizza after you rack up enough points? Yes please. I check for daily specials like it’s a game. My only complaint is that there isn’t a Casey’s closer to where I live. If there were, I’d probably never need to cook again. My Hot Take: Casey’s Is the Roadtrip MVP Look, I get that not everyone is as obsessed as I am, but if you’ve never given Casey’s a real shot, you’re missing out. It’s not just about the food (although, seriously, try the pizza). It’s about the small-town friendliness, the feeling of finding a hidden gem when you least expect it, and the weird joy of discovering that your favorite gas station is also the best pizza joint for miles. So the next time you see that bright red and yellow Casey’s sign on the side of the highway, do yourself a favor: Pull over. Grab a slice. Maybe even chat with whoever’s behind the counter. You might just find yourself becoming a Casey’s superfan like me. Anyone else out there low-key obsessed with Casey’s? Drop your go-to order or your wildest Casey’s story in the comments—I need to know I’m not alone in this!