Hopkinton Shell owner Cal Karam, pictured with his wife and children, are grateful to the station’s customers for their family-like welcome.

Since Cal Karam became the owner of Hopkinton Shell over two years ago, the town has felt like a big family to him.

“When customers come inside or bring their cars for service, they ask how we are, and we all talk together,” said Karam. “Recently, I had a minor injury. I don’t know how people heard about it, but while I was out, they asked about me, some called to wish me well, and I even received cards — like what a family would do.”

Karam helped foster that environment by treating his customers the same way. The station has competitive gas prices and service rates and is well-maintained, and employees will help anyone who needs assistance with pumping gas and more.

“I want people to feel served and treat them like they would be treated at home,” he said. “We really appreciate and value our clients, for trusting us with their cars and for continuing to come here through all the recent downtown construction.

“For people who don’t use our station, we’d like you to give us a try. If you need a second opinion, we’ll do that. When you have service done here, we’ll explain the work and show you the parts that were replaced. When your car won’t start, just call us and we’ll come to your place in town and get it going and bring it to the station. We can give you a ride or provide a loaner if you need that.”

In addition to selling gas, Hopkinton Shell provides state vehicle inspections and performs maintenance and repairs for all car makes.

Throughout his life, Karam has been around cars. His father was a mechanic, so his learning started early. He has been in business maintaining and repairing cars for 22 years and still enjoys it.

“All of us at the station are good with cars,” he said. We’re like a family, too, eating, laughing and talking together.”

Karam has passed on his passion to his three children, showing them pictures of cars at the station. His wife, Cynthia, is involved as well, doing the bookkeeping for the business. They all are looking forward to moving to Hopkinton from Weymouth, which will reduce Karam’s commuting time and allow them to live in the town they have all grown fond of.

Recently, Karam also became the owner of the Gulf station at 1287 Worcester Road in Framingham, on Route 9 at the corner of Temple Street.

Said Karam, “Without the support of the community of Hopkinton, I wouldn’t have been able to succeed and expand with a new location. I’m grateful and thankful for what I have, and I wish everyone a healthy and safe new year.”

Hopkinton Shell is at 60 Main Street, on the corner of Cedar Street. The station’s hours for gas are Monday through Friday from 5 a.m.–10 p.m., and weekends from 6 a.m.–10 p.m. Hours for service are Monday through Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Contact Hopkinton Shell at 617-460-5759.

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