Sonia and Marvin Nash, the owners of the only Black-owned gas station in Wisconsin, are working to bring back customers after recent ownership changes and a temporary closure. The couple remains committed to keeping the business open through community engagement and new business initiatives.
The gas station, built 30 years ago, has faced multiple ownership changes and financial struggles. Since taking over, the Nashes have worked to rebuild trust, as many customers believed the station had shut down permanently.
Marvin Nash took to social media to rally support, posting, “WE NEED your help, Milwaukee. Please patronize us. Please support us. We cannot succeed without you.” His message resonated, leading to an outpouring of community backing and increased foot traffic.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Sonia and Marvin are new to the gas station industry. Sonia works as a facilities manager, while Marvin is a retired correctional officer. To ease operations, they rehired the previous staff.
Despite initial uncertainty, they saw ownership as a chance to keep the station Black- and Brown-owned. They now plan to make it a community hub by launching a barbecue café and hosting giveaways.
“It’s important for us to be in this community,” Sonia said. “It feels like family.”
The gas station is located at 807 W. Atkinson Avenue in Milwaukee.
