Fueling life's journey since 1953
Our Propane Division is
Now Serving Nashville, NC
Your local destination for propane service, gas appliances, and certified Generac generator solutions
Serving Nashville, NC and surrounding communities with full propane service, customer support, and a brand-new appliance showroom. Our Nashville service center also offers certified Generac generator sales, installation, and maintenance—bringing reliable home and commercial energy solutions and expert service together under one roof.
A Fourth-Generation Family Business
Since 1953, Eastern Petroleum has grown from a single service station in Enfield, NC to a regional leader in convenience retail, propane & fuel delivery, wholesale, and transport services. We’re proud to be family-owned, community-focused, and built on dependable service.
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1950s
Humble Beginnings
In 1953 Lorenza Locke, a local farmer, bought a small bulk plant and Texaco service station in Enfield, unwittingly laying the foundation for a family business that would span at least four generations. His son, Lorenza Wilson Locke ("L.W."), returned home to help the fledgling business in 1956. L.W. worked in the back room of the store and drove the fuel delivery truck until the business finally turned a profit. From there, Enfield Oil Company (now EP) was officially born!
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1960s
Enfield Oil Company relocated across town and opened a larger bulk plant to sell fuel oil and lubricants to farmers. L.W. made a few tuck-in acquisitions, adding several home heating and commercial fuel accounts as well as another service station.
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1970s
Enfield Oil Company constructed a new corporate office and bulk plant at its current home on Ringwood Road. The larger facility enabled the Company to expand into propane distribution, servicing home heating, commercial, and agricultural customers. We purchased our first tanker trucks for hauling fuel long distances as well as our first convenience store, pivoting the Company's retail operations from a service station orientation to a convenience store one.
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1980s
Enfield Oil Company changed its name to Eastern Petroleum Corporation. The Company acquired Pearsall Oil Company, securing a branded wholesale relationship with Shell. EP became a third-generation family business in 1987 when Audrey Locke Shearin joined her father, and in 1988, the Company built its first two new-to-industry convenience stores, officially launching the EP Mart brand.
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1990s
The Company constructed several more EP Marts from the ground up, including one in Knightdale, NC that propelled EP into the Triangle market. The Company also purchased a store in Raleigh from ExxonMobil, concurrently obtaining a branded wholesale relationship with them. In 1998, L.W. passed away unexpectedly, and Audrey took the reins, going on to open two new EP Marts before the turn of the decade.
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2000s
The Company expanded by building new EP Marts in Rocky Mount and Tarboro, opening two Which Wich restaurant franchises, and acquiring real estate for future EP Marts. EP Mart also launched a brand mascot "Penny the Penguin" and a fresh food program. Alongside this expansion and innovation, the Company built an outstanding team dedicated to exceptional customer service. In 2023, Holden Shearin joined his mother, marking EP's fourth generation of family leadership.
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The Future
EP has disciplined, strategic plans for future growth at the helm of an experienced leadership team excited to carry the business through the fourth generation and beyond.
Our Mission
We fuel life’s journey – delivering energy, convenience, and quality foodservice
Our Core Values
1. Do the Right Thing
We act with honesty, transparency, and respect. Trust is built on doing what we say and saying what we mean.
2. Treat People Like Family
We care about our team and vendors. When one of us wins, we all do.
3. Protect What Matters
We take safety seriously. Never cut corners.
4. Own it Like It’s Yours
We take initiative, solve problems, and spend money like it’s our own.
5. Serve Every Customer with Heart
We are in the people business. Greet each guest with warmth and go the extra mile to meet their needs.
6. Fuel the Community
We use our footprint for good — investing in the places we live and work. Serve others and give back with energy.
Join the Eastern Petroleum Team
Looking for a rewarding career where you can grow and make a difference in your community? At Eastern Petroleum, our employees are like family. We’ve proudly served our communities for over 70 years as a fourth-generation, family-owned business.
We offer competitive pay and benefits, including insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan, and paid time off—plus opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
Store Sales Associate
Be the face of EP Mart by providing friendly, efficient customer service at the register and throughout the store. Sales Associates help keep shelves stocked, maintain a clean environment, and ensure every customer has a positive shopping experience.
Transport and LP & Fuel Delivery Driver
Join our professional driving team and play a key role in safely delivering propane, fuel, and petroleum products to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Drivers represent EP Mart on the road, ensuring timely deliveries while following all safety and compliance standards.
Assistant Manager
Support store leadership by overseeing daily operations, supervising team members, and driving excellent customer service. Assistant Managers help manage scheduling, training, and store performance while stepping into leadership responsibilities when the Store Manager is away.