Ronnie's Stops Selling Gas, Closing Store

, long the only place to fill up on Candlewood Lake Road and the closest store to the homes on Candlewood Shores and the surround area, has stopped selling gasoline and will be closing their small convenience store.

Owner and namesake Ronnie Baiad has been selling gasoline at the service station since it opened along with the garage in November 1979.

“It’s just not economical anymore,” Baiad said, stating that he has been losing money on gas for the last year and half. “Mostly it’s a convenience for my customers.”

The tanks currently installed on the property are aged and need to be replaced, Baiad explained, prompting him to discontinue the service.

The auto repair side of the business will remain, with Baiad, his son Peter and a third mechanic, Shawn Harrington. Without gas the shops hours may change slightly, closing an hour earlier, 5 p.m., and possibly opening later some mornings, though Baiad said he is usually up and at the shop early every morning.

Though the garage will still be open, along with the gas pumps will go the small store, however Baiad said he’ll probably still keep the coffee out for the regulars.