<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SYjeVCDfDWI/AAAAAAAAAl4/R_XgfCzCbt4/s1600-h/DSC02012-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SYjeVCDfDWI/AAAAAAAAAl4/R_XgfCzCbt4/s400/DSC02012-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298729414511496546" border="0" /></a>My earliest memory of <a href="http://quiktrip.com/">QuikTrip</a>, a Tulsa-based convenience store chain that has been a fixture in the area since 1958, involves a preschool-age me begging my parents for a Squirt (I really just wanted the plastic bendy straw) on our way out to have some weekend T-Town fun. <div><br /></div><div>My most recent QuikTrip experience was not so carefree. I was poking along through the parking lot at a southeast Tulsa location just last night when I noticed some weirdo at a gas pump who was not only gabbing away on his cell phone, but was also <span style="font-style: italic;">smoking</span>. I couldn't believe my eyes. As I gawked at what was happening before me, Aaron had the presence of mind to yell, "Oh my God, DRIVE AWAY!" </div><div><br /></div><div>I have many other memories of QuikTrip bookended by these happy and not-so-happy experiences. My favorite was probably <a href="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2008/08/and-taquito-smiled-down-upon-us.html">the morning my dog and I woke up to a QT taquito on my doorstep</a>. After some sleuthing, I found out this spicy sunrise scene was the handiwork of <a href="http://havesporkwilltravel.blogspot.com/">this Okie blogger</a>. That whole experience was weird, but it was so, I don't know...delightfully QuikTripy. I think of it at least every other time my dog has to pee, which is a lot. Our lawn is what you might call well-seasoned.  </div><div><br /></div><div>In an informal, impromptu survey of several TDT readers, the stand-out thing everyone loves about QuikTrip is its staff. Those surveyed said QT cashiers are the friendliest in town. That they seem happy - enthusiastic, even - is no wonder. <a href="http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2009/snapshots/27.html">QT has consistently ranked in Fortune's Top 100 Companies to Work For list</a> - the company ranked 27th this year, up from 28th in 2008. Benefits, wages and the QT company culture are reportedly huge draws. </div><div><br /></div><div>Readers also liked location convenience, well-stocked stores, QT food (<a href="http://irritatedtulsan.wordpress.com/">Irritated Tulsan</a> does these great QT food reviews - <a href="http://irritatedtulsan.wordpress.com/2009/02/03/mattatarians-food-offering-of-the-week-baked-apple-edition/">read the latest one here</a>) and clean bathrooms. </div><div><br /></div><div>While TDT readers said QT locations are "well-lit" and "feel safe," most mentioned the urge to do the watch-your-back glance when visiting QT as their least favorite aspect of patronizing the convenience store chain. Besides being wary of off-putting customers, some readers complained about what other readers loved: the food and the state of the bathrooms. </div><div><br /></div><div>Either way, rare is the transplanted Tulsan who can deny feemin' somethin' fierce when they no longer have access to a QT. During my first year of college, I <span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:medium;">planned many of my trips back to Tulsa around when I would need to fill my gas tank. Gas stations in other towns - especially in small Oklahoma towns - tend to be these campy, dirty places that smell of Funyuns, Black &amp; Milds and mop water. Compared to those places, QuikTrip is like The Gas Station on a Hill. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Wanna wax poetic about QT (or not)? Leave it in the comments. </div><div><br /></div><div>To kick things off, a poem about QT by long-time reader and TDT contributor <a href="http://rockcityoutfitters.com/">Chris Bouldin</a>: </div><div><br /></div><div  style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-style: italic;" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">QT, how do I love thee?</span><br /><br />Oh QT, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways<br />I love your sausage rolls, your snazzy uniforms<br />For nothing says "love" like a red shirt on a dark Tulsa day<br /><br />I love thee to the depth and breadth and height<br />Your lighting, sweet tea, rooster booster, your guaranteed gas<br />If Jesus needed cigarettes at 2am, choose you, he might<br /><br />Homeless men drawn to you like a desert mirage<br />They sit on your sidewalks; they worship at your altar<br />A beacon on a hill, part of my life's collage<br /><br />I love thee freely, as men strive for right<br />I love your bathrooms, taquitos, egg rolls and smiles<br />I love the fact you are open all night<br /><br />Three percent beer, excellent pay, an accessible corporate climb<br />Always looking out for me<br />Like an Asian massage parlor, QT, I will love you long time. </span></span><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-family:Georgia;">Amen, Bouldin. Amen. </span><br /></span></div>