3 Generations Later
Freedom Oil Company is a 3rd generation, family-owned business that owns and operates retail convenience stores in central Illinois and Florida. Freedom has an over 70-year history of selling quality motor fuels at a discount price to the consumers in several midwestern states. In recent years, Freedom Oil has enjoyed a successful partnership selling Shell Oil Company branded gasoline at some of our convenience stores in Illinois.
The Owens Family is very proud of our multi-generational business history. We realize that we could not have been this successful for this long without the help and dedication of thousands of hard working men and women who have helped us build and run this company. Thank you to those who have given so much for so long!
Frank S. Owens started the Owens Family in the retail gasoline station business in 1944 with the purchase of 10 locations from Wells Oil of Decatur IL. Owens Oil added 9 more gas stations in 1947 from Coyell Oil of Lincoln NE. Owens Oil purchased 10 more locations from Dresser Petroleum of Terre Haute IN in 1952. Owens Oil continued strong growth through the 50’s and 60’s.
In 1968, Frank Owens passed away and his son, Arnold Owens became president of Owens Oil. Arnold purchased a Texaco jobbership in 1972 and began the Freedom Oil Company business. Owens Oil grew in Florida by opening its 6th location in St Augustine in 1976. Growth and adapting to industry changes saw Freedom Oil Company enter the convenience store business in the 1980’s.
In 1995, Arnold Owens passed away and left control of Freedom Oil Company to his 6 kids. In 1998, Michael Owens became president of Freedom Oil. Growth continued for Freedom Oil Company in 1999 with the acquisition of Northrup Oil of Peoria and their 12 locations. The Norco acquisition included 6 Shell Oil locations. Freedom Oil added Subway Sandwich shops to their Shell stores In 2002. In 2016 Freedom Oil added two additional Shell locations in Illinois. These stores were co-branded with Burger King Franchisees.
The Owens Family and Freedom Oil is proud of the 3rd and 4th generation family heritage of their business. Freedom Oil looks forward to continued strategic growth in the gasoline and food service convenience business.
Questions or Comments?
Please fill out the contact form with any questions, comments or concerns. We love hearing from you!
(309) 828-7750
814 West Chestnut Street
Bloomington, Illinois 61701
