By Sara Beth Williams–
After 50 years, the Pastor’s Valero gas station and Espresso Bar in Citrus Heights will be closing its doors at the end of the day on July 31.
Holly Woltzen, daughter of local businessman Randy Pastor, confirmed with The Sentinel that the last day of operation will be July 31. A coffee shop also operated inside the station, which was a favorite among locals, and the family also operated a car wash.
“It’s very bittersweet and surreal today,” Woltzen said, adding that an Arco AM/PM is expected to take over and open on Aug. 8.
Leading up to the gas station’s closure and transition, all merchandise inside the store has been marked at 50 percent off as of Wednesday. The station announced on their social media page that gas prices would also be slashed every day until the gas runs out. As of Thursday, gas prices were listed as $3.49 a gallon when customers pay with cash.
“Four generations of my family have worked together to create a thriving business built on great service and honesty. We have been blessed with amazing, loyal customers who we owe so much of our success to,” the family wrote in a July 25 post on their social media page, adding that the family has decided to “step aside” from “heavy daily responsibilities” that come with running the gas station.
Woltzen confirmed that the family will still continue operating the Citrus Heights Car Wash, as well as the auto care center, and that they still plan to rent Penske trucks. Woltzen said selling the gas station is a “big change for our family.”
The Pastor family purchased the Texaco gas station in 1975, beginning with Randy Pastor’s parents, and has continued to operate within the family ever since, with Pastor’s daughter and son in law’s assistance.
“I was 11 when we rolled into that old Texaco station,” Pastor said in an interview with The Sentinel following his purchase of the Citrus Heights Car Wash in December 2024.
