Union 76 Gas Station

I’ve had several one-​star experiences here, but have not posted yet. Last night, however, was the last straw, and I wasn’t even involved in the transaction. A lady from England was trying to use her credit card on the pumps, but it was not working. Normally, I’d opine that it was because of the lack of a zip code on her credit card billing address, which is used as a security check. But I’ve had multiple instances of the same issue, and my card is USA-​based. I’m fairly sure that they have faulty keypads on at least two pumps, which is the culprit.
However, the employee behind the counter was utterly and completely beyond unhelpful. I managed gas stations between 2003 and 2012. I am very, very familiar with both Ruby and Gilbarco POS terminals and software, and the employee was outright lying to the customer about certain aspects of the transaction. She was also quite obviously simply fucking with the customer — double-​talking, repeating meaningless phrases, pretending to not speak English. I interjected politely, trying to clarify for the customer, but it was fruitless. Eventually, I advised the customer to get gas elsewhere, as this was clearly a useless task at this establishment. I then left without making my purchase.

I’ve had «whatever» experiences at this station over the past 20 years. It’s a little bit of a dump and always has been but hey… if you’re just buying gas with a credit card, it’s fine.

Gas station near the Great Highway, between the Cliff House and the Zoo.
Friendly staff when I went. All the usual convenience store items of snacks, sodas, chips, gum, etc.
Didn’t notice if they sold mini hibachis, sterno, or matches to keep you warm on Ocean Beach.
ATM machine inside if you need cash.
Gas was reasonably priced, for San Francisco.

I didn’t need gas. Or massive amounts of drinks, cliff bars and air in the tires of strollers like the two in queue before me. Just a quick and easy Marlboro lights and a brightly colored lighter please (the easier to find you with, my dear). The attendant seemed pleased with my simple request, and state of mind.
Conveniently located near the beach. Tricky one-​way streets surrounding can mess w you though, depending where you’re going.

So much more than just a gas station, this business adds a bit of flavor to my neighborhood.
The thing I really like about this gas station is its convenience (proximity to my apartment). They are, quite literally, my neighbor. I could walk to this gas station, which would be a little silly considering I would have to walk back and get the car to put gas in it.
This gas station is a little on the run down side, but the pump puts gas in the car and you can pay at the pump. Again… convenience. I love that word. There’s only one pump (two sides). Looks like the other pump got wiped out in an accident or something and no sign of it ever being replaced. Just some yellow caution tape wrapped around it. This leads to the occasional long line and, in my imagination, verbal altercations and fisticuffs.
One of these days, I’ll have to venture inside to the little mart and buy something unhealthy to snack on, like an Icee and a Slim Jim, maybe.