Sinclair gas stations are owned by HF Sinclair Corporation, formed when HollyFrontier acquired Sinclair Oil in 2022 for about 2.6 billion dollars.
Sinclair is one of the most recognizable gas station brands in the United States, known for its green dinosaur mascot Dino and its long history dating back to the early twentieth century.
The Sinclair Oil brand had remained privately owned by the Holding family for decades before HollyFrontier and Holly Energy Partners purchased it, merging their operations and rebranding the combined company as HF Sinclair.
But how did a company known mostly for refining end up taking over one of the oldest gas station brands in the country?
This article will explore who owns Sinclair today, its history, how the HollyFrontier deal came together, and what that means for the gas stations themselves.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns Sinclair Gas Stations Today
Sinclair gas stations are owned and operated under HF Sinclair Corporation, whose brand information is listed on the official Sinclair Oil website.
HF Sinclair trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol DINO, a nod to the brand’s famous dinosaur logo.
The company operates as a mix of refining, renewable diesel, lubricants, and fuel marketing businesses, with Sinclair branded stations serving as the retail face of that operation.
The History of Sinclair Oil and Its Dinosaur Logo
Sinclair Oil Corporation was founded in 1916 by Harry Sinclair, making it one of the oldest oil companies still operating under its original name.
The company adopted its dinosaur mascot, later named Dino, in the 1930s after using prehistoric imagery to promote the age of the crude oil used to make its products.
Sinclair remained under the control of the Holding family for much of its modern history, keeping it privately held long after many competitors went public.
How the HollyFrontier and Sinclair Merger Happened
HollyFrontier Corporation announced its acquisition of Sinclair Oil and Sinclair Transportation in 2021, a deal that closed in 2022 and combined the two companies into HF Sinclair, as reported by Convenience Store News.
The merger gave HollyFrontier access to Sinclair’s retail fuel brand and pipeline network, while Sinclair’s former owners received a mix of cash and equity in the newly formed company.
HF Sinclair has continued expanding the brand’s presence since the merger, with a focus on growing renewable diesel production alongside its traditional fuel marketing business, according to details published by Wikipedia.
Sinclair vs Shell: How the Brands Compare
Shell is a global energy giant with tens of thousands of branded stations worldwide, while Sinclair operates a much smaller, more regional footprint concentrated in the western United States. Readers curious about that comparison can see our guide on who issues the Shell credit card for a look at how a larger fuel brand structures its retail business.
Sinclair’s stations are concentrated across 32 states, with the heaviest presence in California, Colorado, Idaho, and Utah, rather than the nationwide reach Shell maintains.
Both brands rely heavily on franchise style ownership at the individual station level, meaning most Sinclair and Shell locations are run by independent operators rather than the parent company directly.
How Sinclair Gas Stations Are Franchised and Operated
Most Sinclair branded stations are owned and run by independent franchisees, who pay to license the Sinclair name, dinosaur logo, and fuel supply agreements.
This franchise model is common across the gas station industry, and readers can see a similar structure explained in our guide on who owns Costco gas stations for comparison.
HF Sinclair supplies the fuel and licenses the brand, but day to day store operations, staffing, and pricing decisions are typically left to the local franchise owner. Readers interested in another regional gas station brand with a similar franchise setup can see our guide on who owns Sunoco gas stations.
Is Sinclair a Good Gas Station Brand
Sinclair has a loyal following in the western states where it operates most heavily, with many customers citing fuel quality and the brand’s long history as reasons for loyalty.
Reviews of individual Sinclair stations vary widely since ownership is franchised, meaning cleanliness and customer service can differ significantly from one location to the next.
Overall, Sinclair is considered a reliable regional fuel brand, though it lacks the nationwide convenience store presence of larger competitors like Shell or 7-Eleven.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sinclair Gas Stations
Who owns Sinclair gas stations now?
Sinclair gas stations are owned by HF Sinclair Corporation, formed in 2022 when HollyFrontier acquired Sinclair Oil for roughly 2.6 billion dollars.
Is Sinclair still a family owned company?
No, Sinclair is no longer privately held by the Holding family. It now operates as part of the publicly traded HF Sinclair Corporation.
What states have the most Sinclair gas stations?
Sinclair has the heaviest concentration of stations in California, Colorado, Idaho, and Utah, spread across 32 states overall.
Why does Sinclair use a dinosaur logo?
Sinclair adopted its dinosaur mascot, Dino, in the 1930s to highlight the prehistoric age of the crude oil used in its fuel products.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.