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LOCAL BUSINESS IDEA

A gas station with a hidden bar that made almost $5M

Tony Donatell, 46, took over a failing gas station and convenience store in 2024. In May 2025, he opened a hidden bar in the same space. It is called The Farmer's Cellar.

LOCALAs told on CNBC Make It, 28 Oct 2026
Revenue in one year
almost $5 million
Owner's age
46
Took over the gas station
2024
Bar opened
May 2025

How it makes money

The business makes money from three places: the speakeasy bar, the convenience store and the gas station. Bars usually earn money from drinks, and gas stations and stores earn money from fuel and snacks.

What it takes

Tony took over a gas station and store that was failing, then added a hidden bar inside it. A business like this needs a place, a license to serve drinks and a way to get customers to find the bar.

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