Motaz Abuali cut the ribbon to make things official, as Runway Fuel Station in Boutte held its grand opening Friday.
The new store is located at 14099 US-90 in Boutte in front of Hahnville High School – where IHOP was located prior to its closing in 2024 – and includes a fuil-time kitchen open daily from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. Runway is a Marathon gas station and open 24 hours.
“I’m looking forward to growing our brand here in the River Parishes,” said Abuali, who has been in the business for years, including ownership of Discount Zone in Kenner. “We’ve got several local employees who live right here locally. We’re excited to be here.”
The station had been open for a little while before Friday’s official ribbon cutting ceremony, and Abuali said the community response so far has been strong.
“We opened up before this, trying to iron the kinks out … the registers, pumps, all of it being new, so we wanted to work everything out before doing this officially … It’s honestly been great,” he said. “This community is so supportive, a real blessing.”
He said a large portion of customers have indeed come from Hahnville High, between students and faculty alike.
“And it’s good – we’ve always seen kids crossing the road to get snacks and things like that, and they don’t have to risk crossing Highway 90,” Abuali said. “We’ve had lots of parents in here and I think they’re pretty happy about that.”
The kitchen serves daily specials, including a Hahnville Tigers-themed student special – two chicken tenders, fries and a drink for $6.99.
“That’s one of the best prices you’ll find,” Abuali said.
In addition, the kitchen serves fried chicken, fried fish, onion rings, jambalaya, red beans and rice and cornbread biscuits among menu items.
Abuali added the location is also a plus as Runway is the last gas station one will see before reaching the interstate when traveling past HHS.
