I Hid A Speakeasy In A Gas Station — Now The Business Brings In About $5 Million A Year

Tony Donatell, 46, took over an failing gas station and convenience store in 2024. Since Donatell opened a hidden bar in the space in May 2025 called The Farmer's Cellar, the business — which includes the speakeasy, the convenience store and the gas station itself — has brought in almost $5 million in revenue in one year and is profitable.

Produced and Edited by: Tasia Jensen
Camera: Ben Brewer
Managing Producer: Beatriz Bajuelos
Animators: Christina Locopo, Alisa Stern
Senior Production Manager: Kathy Mavrikakis
Additional Footage: Tony Donatell

Subscribe to CNBC Make It.: http://cnb.cx/2kxl2rf
Watch CNBC on the go with CNBC+: https://www.cnbc.com/WatchCNBCPlus

About CNBC Make It.: CNBC Make It. is a new section of CNBC dedicated to making you smarter about managing your business, career, and money.

Want to lead with confidence and bring out the best in your team? Take CNBC's new online course, How To Be A Standout Leader. Expert instructors share practical strategies to help you build trust, communicate clearly and motivate other people to do their best work. Sign up today: https://cnb.cx/4bWNJqg

Connect with CNBC Make It. Online
Get the latest updates: https://www.cnbc.com/make-it
Find CNBC Make It. on Facebook: https://cnb.cx/LikeCNBCMakeIt
Find CNBC Make It. on Twitter: https://cnb.cx/FollowCNBCMakeIt
Find CNBC Make It. on Instagram: https://bit.ly/InstagramCNBCMakeIt
Find CNBC Make It. On LinkedIn: https://cnb.cx/MakeItLinkedIn

#CNBC
#CNBCMakeIt
#howimadeit

I Hid A Speakeasy In A Gas Station — Now The Business Brings In About $5 Million A Year