Rhode Island Gas Station Turns Signs Into Comedic Gold

If you've driven past Joe's Kwik Mart and Mobil Station on West Main Road in Middletown, Rhode Island recently, you may have spotted a roadside tribute to someone named Larry that reads: "RIP Larry. You Will Be Missed."

Naturally, I had so many questions. Was Larry a longtime employee? A loyal customer? Maybe a local legend whose passing left a mark on the community? Well, coincidentally enough, the part on the sign that reads "This is a joke" is exactly just that. Nothing more, nothing less, there's simply no Larry.

The sign is the latest creation from Joe's Kwik Mart manager Chris Vorro, who has spent the past three years transforming the station's roadside sign into an unexpected source of laughs, groans and smiles for thousands of drivers passing by each day.

More Than Just Gas Prices

Vorro has been at Joe's Kwik Mart for a little more than four years, bringing with him nearly three decades of experience managing a Shell station. While most gas station signs are reserved for fuel prices and promotions, Vorro saw an opportunity to do something different and his goal is simple. "Smile is the game," Vorro said.

Middletown, Rhode Island Gas Station Sign Messages — Courtesy Chris Vorro

When he shares photos of the signs on Facebook, he intentionally covers the gas prices with graphics so people focus on the joke instead of the numbers. "I don't put pictures of gas prices, because it's about the smile, not the prices," Vorro said.

A Local Following Built One Joke at a Time

Some of the messages are his own creations while others are inspired by things he finds online. Either way, they've developed a loyal following among locals who look forward to seeing what's on the sign next.

During the height of the Washington Bridge traffic nightmare, Vorro posted one that read, "Even Santa Cannot Get to Providence," a joke that hit close to home for many Rhode Islanders. Other favorites include "Dr Peppers, A Fizzician From Minnesota," and "2 Brothers Said We Can Fly, They Were Wright." Then there's the unfinished joke that simply reads, "Who Says I Never Finish Anyth..."

A Small Dose of Positivity

At a time when it feels like most people are rushing from one place to the next, Vorro has quietly turned a roadside sign into a community conversation piece. The messages don't solve any of life's problems, but that's not really the point. For a few seconds while sitting at a red light or pulling into the gas station, they give people a reason to chuckle.