One man’s dream come true is a triumph for horror fans everywhere. Last summer, Ohio businessman and entrepreneur Roy Rose* became the proud owner of the dilapidated Last Chance Gas Station, the site of the Gulf Oil/BBQ joint in the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre (released in 1974). Rose plans on doing much more than simply fixing up the exterior for looky-loos, rather he’s transforming the property into a destination site for horror fans (and even their families) complete with restaurant, music venue, retail store, and overnight cabins.

Rose’s love of horror, and specifically The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, began at an early age; as a gift on his 10th birthday, his mom rented a VCR just so he could watch Tobe Hooper’s classic slash-fest—and he was hooked (yes, pun intended).

So how did he end up with the property (located off of Highway 304 in Bastrop County)? In his own words: “I called the previous owner a few years back to see if she was willing to sell. She said ‘No’ but I left her my phone number anyway. I know this sounds crazy, but on my birthday this year, she called me back asking if I was still interested. No lie!”

Enter Jason Voorhees

The thought of Jason slashing around Texas sounds like a crossover fantasy come true for fans of the Friday the 13th and TCM franchises, but it’s not what you might be thinking.

Understanding the value of strong partnerships, Rose reached out to Ari Lehman**, an actor and musician best known for playing young Jason Voorhees in the very first installment of Friday the 13th (released in 1980). I was able to reach out to Ari who was good enough to explain how he got involved and what his role in the project will be:

“Having the unique honor of being the First Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th always brings me unexpected opportunities like this. Roy [Rose] contacted me to tell me about his vision, to renovate the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre gas station and make it a horror destination, and I agreed it was a spectacular idea. Roy’s concept is to create a scary and fun destination that’s a safe place for families, couples or friends to get together and enjoy the location, get a cabin and have a blast!”

As a key member of Rose’s Creative Team, Ari’s ideas are also ambitious.

“We’re working on the specifics for a Friday the 13th cabin, which will include plenty of my Jason’s Own Slasher Sauce on hand to make every cookout a thrill!”

Also:

“I know that fans will travel a long way to see the fully restored TCM gas station, and with a fine Texas Chili Kitchen and stage for live music, this venue will be crowded year round. We’re planning on featuring metal bands, sideshow acts, and even the best in horror burlesque!”

No doubt one the first acts to rock the completed venue will be Ari’s own punk/metal/horror band: FIRST JASON. Ari hopes the project will be completed in time to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Friday the 13th with some scary good times in Texas.

Timeline for Completion

Ready to book your trip to Bastrop, Texas today? Hold your horses, horror fans! Rose tells me he’s taking his time with renovations, determined to do the project right. This means that the property won’t be ready to receive visitors for at least 5 more months.

The Blood-Shed will help you pass the time with regular updates on Rose’s progress and, hopefully, we’ll be there for the Opening Day festivities! Just this morning, Rose discussed the possibility of partnering with a nearby property owner to bring an established Haunted House from Austin to Bastrop. At this rate, that sleepy stretch of Texas highway is likely to become a Mecca for horror fans!

Will you be interested in spending time at this famous landmark of horror? Sound off in the comments section.

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*Roy Rose is the owner of The Glass House, a chain of head-shops in Ohio. You can find store locations: HERE. Roy also runs Monster Tattoo Supply, an online wholesaler; you can visit Monster Tattoo: HERE. For questions regarding the Texas Chainsaw Massacre Gas Station or to contact Roy Rose, you can email: tcmgasstation@gmail.com

**Ari Lehman sells autographed photos and machetes, Jason’s Own Slasher Sauce, hockey mask glass pipes, and other memorabilia at his official website: HERE. Also, hear FIRST JASON and check tour dates on the band’s Facebook page: HERE