Terrible's gas stations are coming to the Valley
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Terrible's gas station under construction at Northern and 23rd avenues in Phoenix. Photo: Jeremy Duda/Axios
Terrible's is bringing its gas stations, convenience stores and unforgettable name to the Valley.
The big picture: Terrible's — known for decades as Terrible Herbst until a recent name change — is a southern Nevada institution that's spread throughout the West.
- The "deliberately different" chain is known for its patriotic red, white and blue color scheme, prominently displayed American flags, memorable name and mustachioed Mr. Terrible mascot, called "the best bad guy in the West."
State of play: Terrible's gas stations are under construction in Phoenix at 23rd and Northern avenues and in Peoria at 71st and Olive avenues.
- Diversified Partners in March announced that a Terrible's convenience store and gas station will anchor a development at Bella Vista and Gantzel roads in San Tan Valley, per KTAR.
- Two other locations are also proposed for the area, according to santanvalley.com.
- And the chain is looking to open two locations in Maricopa, per inMaricopa.
What they're saying: "Terrible's gas stations are finally making their way to the Valley. Well known across Nevada, California and Utah, Terrible's is more than just a gas station," Diversified Partners said in a Facebook post last year about the company's pending first Phoenix location just off Interstate 17.
Zoom out: This is Terrible's first foray in the Valley, but the chain is no stranger to Arizona.
- There are locations in Bullhead City, Kingman, Lake Havasu City, Parker, Quartzsite and White Hills.
Flashback: Founder Ed Herbst founded his first gas station in Chicago in 1938, and his son Jerry incorporated under the name Terrible Herbst when the company expanded into Nevada in 1959.
- According to Jerry, whenever his father would open a new gas station, his rivals would lament, "Here comes that terrible Herbst," giving the chain its peculiar name.
- The company dropped "Herbst" from its name in 2022.
- In addition to its empire of gas stations, convenience stores and car washes, Herbst has gaming operations — it's a Nevada company, after all — and a motorsports division.
What's next: It's unclear when any of the planned Valley locations will open.
- The company didn't return multiple messages from Axios.