Fillin ‘Station opens in Rowena

There is a new water point in Rowena, partner. The Fillin ‘Station Bar and Grill opened on July 2. “I have always wanted to restore an old gas station. When it became available, I jumped on it, ”says owner Clinton McIntosh.

The brightly painted tribute to the history of old “gas stations” can be found at 201 Edward Street. The old Gulf gas station is a bright spot in an area that was once the hub of activity. Economic changes have forced small business owners to adapt over the past two decades. McIntosh at the Fillin ‘Station, Mike McNeil opened the Horny Toad Brewery a few blocks away, and the Lowake Steakhouse moved down the freeway from its original location near Paint Rock.

The influx of ingenuity helps bring to life a region that is often left cooking under the merciless West Texas sun. McIntosh has decorated the interior of the establishment with a rustic American feel, like walking through those doors to a 1970s bar and grill or waterhole.

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The decor isn’t just a bunch of fake “vintage” items that McIntosh picked up from the Internet or from a store: “I collected a lot of them as a kid. dumpsters and find cool stuff. I’ve collected it all my life. “

The music is old country, played through Sirius XM’s speakers. Songs by George Strait, Reba McEntire, Barbara Mandrell, Hank Williams, Charley Pride and Kenny Rogers, among others. The music puts the finishing touches on the authentic Americana touch.

McIntosh, originally from Dumas, found his oasis of history in Rowena through his work: “I drove a truck for 20 years. I came here 5 years ago because I love this area.

The bar will add a jukebox in the near future. It also has a few pool tables, as well as the usual table and chairs.

The grill serves basic dishes; burgers, hot dogs, chicken strips, etc. The cook is Clintion’s son, Wyatt. The beer is cold and McIntosh offers specialties such as Thirsty Thursdays. The bar also supports other local businesses, such as beer from the Horny Toad brewery a few blocks away.

You can find the bar on Facebook at Rowena Fillin ‘Station Bar & Grill.