Marathon Owner and Operator on Cedar-Lee Retires After Over 50 Years

Bryan Barrett closes the full-service gas station he has run since 2001 and worked at since the 1970s.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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After over 50 years working at the Marathon gas station on Cedar-Lee in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, owner and operator Bryan Barrett is retiring. Barrett started working at the station in the 1970s as a teenager and eventually bought it in 2001. However, with Marathon requiring a $100,000 upgrade to the pumps and a 10-15 year contract, the 64-year-old Barrett decided it was time to sell the business and retire.

Why it matters

The closure of Bryan's Marathon marks the end of an era for full-service gas stations in the Cedar-Lee neighborhood. Barrett was known for his personalized service, hiring local high school students, and community involvement. His departure reflects broader industry shifts away from full-service gas stations as self-service becomes the norm.

The details

Barrett started working at the station in the 1970s as a teenager, taking on afterschool and weekend shifts. He eventually bought the station in 2001 and ran it as a full-service Marathon gas station and garage. Over the years, Barrett hired around 100 local high school students to work at the station. However, last year Marathon told Barrett he needed to install a new $100,000 computer system or they would stop delivering gas to him. At 64 years old, Barrett decided it was time to sell the business rather than commit to another 10-15 year contract.

  • Barrett started working at the station in the 1970s as a teenager.
  • Barrett bought the station in 2001.
  • Last year, Marathon gave Barrett the ultimatum to upgrade the pumps or lose gas delivery.

The players

Bryan Barrett

The owner and full-service operator of Bryan's Marathon gas station and garage, which he bought in 2001 after working there since the 1970s.

Marathon

The oil and gas company that supplied fuel to Barrett's station and required the $100,000 upgrade to the pumps.

Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools

The school district that Barrett credits for providing a good education, including the automotive technology program that many of his young employees were a part of.

Jeff Porter

A teacher who Barrett says does a fantastic job with the Automotive Technology program at the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools.

Cleveland Heights Police Department

The police department that recognized Barrett as the "Mayor of Cedar-Lee" for his partnership and dedication to the community.

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What they’re saying

“What makes it work is greeting the people who come in.”

— Bryan Barrett, Owner, Bryan's Marathon (cleveland.com)

“For people who think you can't get a good education in the Heights district, that's just not true. Kids can learn everything you need for life -- it's all there for you.”

— Bryan Barrett, Owner, Bryan's Marathon (cleveland.com)

“Through your continued support and commitment to fostering positive relationships, you have strengthened the bond between the Cleveland Heights Police Department and the residents we serve.”

— Christopher Britton, Police Chief, Cleveland Heights Police Department (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The new owners are expected to convert the mechanic service bays into a convenience store, providing a different type of service to the Cedar-Lee neighborhood.

The takeaway

The closure of Bryan's Marathon gas station marks the end of an era for full-service gas stations in Cleveland Heights, as the industry continues to shift towards self-service. However, Barrett's decades of community involvement and commitment to local youth demonstrate the lasting impact that small business owners can have on a neighborhood.