In the early 1970s, John F. Gomes bought the gas station at 795 West Main Road in Middletown. More than 50 years later, now a third-generation business, Johnny’s Full Service Station is owned and managed by John’s grandson, Andrew Gomes.
John Gomes easily won over the hearts of Middletown in the 70s with his hard work, transparency, and fairness. He passed those same ethics down to his son, John R., who started helping his father in the station when he was 12. When John F. decided to retire in the early 90s, John R. took over the business. In addition to managing Johnny’s, John R. raced cars at the Seekonk Speedway, bringing home the championship in 1989, and was a prominent member of the Newport Soapbox Derby.
John R. Gomes at Seekonk Speedway.
Andrew Gomes celebrating his Newport Soapbox Derby Championship in 2001.
Andrew, following in his father’s footsteps, started pumping gas at the station when he was 14. When he graduated from high school in 2010, he began working at the station full-time. Sadly, in April of 2012, Andrew’s father was diagnosed with lung cancer, and lost his battle with it a little more than a year later.
That left Andrew, 21 at the time, in charge of Johnny’s. “It was unexpected, so there was nothing set in stone to do with the business. I was like ‘you know what, let’s give it a shot; see what we get,’” he recalls. Andrew turned to his grandfather for advice. “If you are honest and you pay attention to the bottom line, everything will come back and it will all work itself out,” Andrew remembers his grandfather telling him.
John’s advice resonated with Andrew. Johnny’s Full Service Station has received high praise online for the ease of scheduling appointments, their quick turnarounds, thorough work, and reasonable pricing. Although challenging at times to be a small business owner, Andrew takes a lot of pride in keeping the family business going strong. Andrew remembers going on road calls with Jimmy Serpa, one of Johnny’s tow truck drivers, as a kid. Jimmy, who still works at Johnny’s, has worked for all three generations of owners. John, as well, still helps out at Johnny’s. He helps his grandson by doing bank runs for the business, often bringing tomatoes and other vegetables from his garden to share with the tellers.
Andrew Gomes with his wife Marti at Johnny’s Full Service on their wedding day.
Andrew organizes a memorial motorcycle ride every year to honor his father, which begins at Johnny’s and ends with a celebratory cookout. Last year, over 200 motorcycles gathered to remember John R. on the 10th anniversary of his passing.
Andrew Gomes (left) and John F. Gomes at the 2023 John R. Gomes Memorial Ride.
Johnny’s Full Service Station offers full-service gas fill up, as well as general auto repair, including oil changes, tire replacements, and brake and suspension work. For more information or to schedule a service, visit Johnny’s Full Service Station at 795 West Main Road in Middletown or give them a call at (401) 846-8873.
Keep up the awesome work. Great place to take your vehicle. Integrity and honesty are hard to find.
Years ago I took my car in for Johnny to look at. Needed about $2500 in repairs to pass inspection. He said he could do the work, but recommended NOT doing it and instead, putting that money into a new/different vehicle. That action, when it meant losing out on that income, earned forever respect, support, loyalty and patronage for his integrity to his customers.
Best place on the island always taking care of the local families. Great job well deserved.
Years ago I took my car in for Johnny to look at. Needed about $2500 in repairs to pass inspection. He said he could do the work, but recommended NOT doing it and instead, putting that money into a new/different vehicle. That action, when it meant losing out on that income, earned forever respect, support, loyalty and patronage for his integrity to his customers.
Thank God for Johnny’s! Been going there for over 50 years because I don’t pump gas! Never have, never will! Always greeted with pleasantries and a friendly smile. Keep doing what you’re doing! Your service is greatly appreciated! Thank You!
Always feel welcomed when you walk in…just the way Johnny used to make you feel. Always helpful! Great job Andrew you’re definitely making your dad and grandfather proud caring on the family tradition!
Incredible service. Always polite, courteous and honest.
Very nicely sad the chief and and little John and Andrew friend’s for 50 years love them all you good job by all involved hang in there Andrew
Fantastic place! Your doing a great job Andrew! Your dad would be so proud of you! <3
Best place on the island