Highway Service Station – Best of Eleuthera

Next in the Best of Eleuthera series I share a great secret with you – the hidden treasures found at the Highway Service Station here in Governors Harbour.

Lawrence and jean griffin outside the Highway Service Station
Lawrence and Jean Griffin outside the Highway Service Station

Situated on Queens Highway heading south out of Governors Harbour on the left hand side is the Esso gas station owned by the Griffin family. The gas station has been on this site since 1983 but Lawrence Griffin first opened in partnership with Arthur Rolle in 1957. The site was then where Sophie’s Gift Shop is today – just after Burrows Food Store. Initially the two had a workshop and a single gas pump – gas was 47 cents a gallon and was delivered in 55 gallon drums !

Highway Service Station  as it was back in the late 1950's
Highway Service Station as it was back in the late 1950’s

In the 60’s they built the premises which is now Griffin’s Auto Repair – it was run by Lawrence’s late brother Cyril and is now carried on by his son Cyril Junior and his mother Mrs Carol Griffin.

Jean – Lawrence’s beautiful Jamaican wife came to Eleuthera in 1962 and from 1967 began working in the business. Their 3 daughters – Gail, Susan and Sophia – all helped out in the gas station from when they were in primary school and now Gail and Susan run the business although Jean and Lawrence are still involved. Lawrence still pumps gas sometimes if no-one else is around and Jean still has a hand in selecting a lot of the items sold in the store.

Lawrence, Sophia, Gail, Jean and Susan - a full compliment of Griffins !
Lawrence, Sophia, Gail, Jean and Susan – a full compliment of Griffins !

From 1994 when their first granddaughter Alexia was born Jean took a slightly less hands on role although her special touch is still apparent at Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. They buy almost all of the snacks and gifts from the US so it is a different selection to what you see in many places on the island.

Beautiful Easter Bunny !
Beautiful Easter Bunny !

Susan started working full time at Highway in 1989 and Gail in 1993, Susan’s daughter has helped out on occasions – so the next generation are playing their part as well !

Another one of Jean's Easter touches
Another one of Jean’s Easter touches

The garage sells gas, batteries, tyres and oils – tyres and batteries are of course both supplied and fitted. There are 2 people on the forecourt at all times – and as I said sometimes that includes Lawrence Griffin MBE as well ! Lawrence received the great honor of his MBE in 1999.

In July 2014 the Esso station had a complete refit of pumps and tanks although the original tanks were still in tip top condition – when tested they did not have a single leak….. but now the gas pumps look new and modern…..

The coming of VAT has meant even more modernization with a computerized till system and a lot more work.

Opening hours are Monday to Saturday 8am – 6pm and Sunday 8am – 10am

Now for some of my favorite top tips !

Highway Service Station has a great selection of Lindt chocolate …..

Chocolate lovers alert !
Chocolate lovers alert !

Also another of my favorites are the rice crackers that they sell….. perfect for dips or with cheese.

I love these rice crackers
I love these rice crackers

Good quality cashew nuts and pistachios…..

A good selection of nuts
A good selection of nuts

And a great selection of flip flops !!

A great selection of flip flops
A great selection of flip flops

Also look out for gift items, cards for all occasions and a great selection of ice cream……

6 thoughts on “Highway Service Station – Best of Eleuthera”

    1. Bob and Kathy Colman

      MBE – means Member of the British Empire – it is an honor bestowed on people throughout the Commonwealth who are recognized for good works that they do…..

  1. Always rent my cars & buy my gas at Griffins…every trip! Very friendly, professional service Val Croswell, North Bay, Ontario, Canada

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Kathy Colman

Writer, Interior Designer, Foodie, and Wife to Bob. Living in Eleuthera, Bahamas

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