Iconic Last Chance Texaco revitalized with modern upgrades and old school charm

ISLAND PARK — The gas pumps are flowing, the grill is sizzling, and the shelves are stocked like a true general store at Last Chance Texaco & General Store.

First opened in 1962, the iconic stop, located at 3370 U.S. Highway 20 along the scenic Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, has been restored and reopened by brothers and businessmen David and Daniel Urmann of Salt Lake City, who have ties to Island Park.

Last Chance earned its name from its historical role as the final opportunity for travelers to refuel, restock, and gather supplies before heading into the remote stretches of Yellowstone National Park. For decades, it’s served as a trusted stop for adventurers and locals.

The Urmanns purchased the store in June 2023. After months of deep cleaning, renovations, and upgrades, they officially reopened it in December of that year, including brand-new gas pumps, a Texaco canopy, a paved parking lot and made-to-order food.

“This place was in pretty rough shape on many levels. The fryer hadn’t been cleaned in like five years,” David said.

The Urmann brothers spent their childhoods floating the Buffalo River near their grandparents’ cabin. Now they’re pouring that same love they share for the area into reviving the general store, bringing back the charm of a bygone era with modern touches.

One of those touches is the Fast N’ Good Grill, a hit with locals and visitors alike. Customers can grab breakfast sandwiches, burgers, hand-cut fries, and the wildly popular $1 Idaho baked potato served hot with a choice of self-serve toppings.

“The potatoes have been a big draw. Tourists stop for the Idaho potatoes. Over 200 spuds were sold last July alone, a peak tourist month,” David said.

This June, the store will add huckleberry, chocolate milkshakes made from Idaho’s own Farr’s Ice Cream, and house-made beef jerky.

One side of the building even holds a bit of Island Park’s civic past as it once housed the public library and city hall.

Thanks to a new partnership with Associated Foods, shoppers will find a complete selection of groceries inside, including fresh produce and dedicated sections for Mexican and Asian cuisine. David said his fuel prices will match those in Ashton.

The store also stocks fishing gear, camping supplies, winter apparel, and water sports equipment to outfit outdoor adventurers.

Visitors will find a wide range of gifts and souvenirs, from Island Park-themed apparel to huckleberry jam, along with pet supplies, kitchen gadgets, wine, and craft beer.

“I want to provide a store that has everything people need for all the nightly rentals up here,” David said. “A place where you can find everything from Velcro to kite string and everything in between.”

Open seven days a week with convenient hours from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.— and sometimes even midnight — Last Chance Texaco has once again become a hub of hospitality for travelers and the Island Park Community.

For more information and seasonal updates on Last Chance Texaco and General Store, visit islandparkgeneralstore.com or follow them on Facebook.

The post Iconic Last Chance Texaco revitalized with modern upgrades and old school charm appeared first on East Idaho News.