New Cumberland Farms is ‘the best convenience store’

The new Cumberland Farms gas station could be easily summed up in the eloquent, immortal words of Peter Griffin: it’s “freakin’ sweet!”

Located across the street from CVS on Storrs Road, near the northeastern section of campus, the new Cumberland Farms gas station and convenience store basically looks like the future of gas stations. From the hardwood floor, modern and metallic food areas and even some touch-screen food service machines, the place is as exciting as you can get for a convenience store.

Among the highlights of the convenience store’s offerings is a soda bar, where any size fountain soda or flavored iced drinks is just $0.89. Both Coke and Pepsi products are offered, and eight original Cumberland Farms flavored ice drinks are also available. The soda bar also offers the ability to add vanilla, lemon, cherry or lime flavoring to any soda.

One of the neatest things at Cumberland Farms is the F’Real milkshake and smoothie machine.  You can have a milkshake whipped up on the spot for $2.39, or a smoothie for $2.59. I tried the peanut butter milkshake, and it was pretty darn good.

The coffee bar stands as another highlight. Any sized coffee bar beverage will set you back just $0.99 cents. The coffee bar offers dozens of different beverage options, from various regular and iced coffees to hot chocolate and cappuccinos.

Cumberland Farms outdoes other gas station snack bars by a long shot. Besides featuring a decent number of sandwiches and sides, the snack bar sells full pizzas for those in a rush. Some great deals are here too: a slice of pepperoni pizza only costs $0.99 while you can get two hot dogs for $2, not to mention the toppings you can put on them.

In the frozen foods section, you can also find some of Cumberland Farms brand name ice cream, which after years of enjoying as a kid, I can tell you is pretty good.

Considering this is a college newspaper, I feel obliged to report the following: no, you cannot purchase any alcoholic beverages at Cumberland Farms. Fun fact: no Cumberland Farms in the state of Connecticut sells them, either.

Another bonus – when I went to examine the station on Wednesday, the price for regular unleaded gas was $3.85 a gallon– 2 cents per gallon cheaper than the gas station across the street. It’s not much, but for those wishing to save every penny, there you have it.

All in all, the new Cumberland Farms is pretty cool.  It’s basically the best convenience store you’ve ever seen. For commuter students, this just may be the Holy Grail. I highly urge those who drive by to stop in for a look.