STANTON -- The Old Sam’s Surplus store along Interstate 20 just north of Stanton has been completely remodeled into the second location of Tarzan and Jane Gas and Grill.
The owners are brothers Seth and Zach Covington, who moved to Midland from Mississippi to work in the oilfield.
Seth moved here first; Zach bought a food truck to get into the food industry. Seven years ago, Zach remodeled the old Little Dutchman building in Tarzan that became the original Tarzan Grill.
Two years later, Seth became a co-owner and they added on a gas station that they named Jane’s Gas. Tarzan and Jane Gas and Grill was officially created.
“We thought about changing the name if we’re trying to branch out or if we’re trying to expand along I-20,” Zach said. “In this small area, a lot of people already know about us and know that we have good food, good service and clean bathrooms.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has delayed the project mostly due to construction crews being forced to work in smaller numbers, but the Stanton Tarzan and Jane Gas and Grill opened it’s doors this week. The restaurant is currently hiring for several positions.
The restaurant is known for burgers with fresh smash patties and burritos with fresh homemade tortillas. They want to be known as the gas station with the best food and the cleanest restrooms.
“We want people to stop for the food but grab snacks and drinks as well as fill up with gas while they’re here,” Zach said.
The Covingtons had looked at expanding into Midland or Andrews but decided on Stanton because they thought the town could use another truck stop.
“Especially with it being a small town and also being in Martin County, a lot of the people here have either eaten in the restaurant in Tarzan or have had our food working in the field,” Seth said. “They’re really excited about having a new clean truck stop in town.”