For the last few weeks, regular customers at a Burton, MI gas station have noticed something strange, if not obnoxious, while filling their vehicles.

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Incredibly loud opera music blaring from the tinny-sounding speakers overhead and at the gas pumps.

Credit: Google Street View
Speedway Burton, MI Credit: Google Street View
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Of course, that has led to one common question from most patrons.

What's with the opera music outside Michigan gas stations?

Normally, you'll hear mainstream, innocuous music played under the canopy at any gas station.

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If not that, usually some audio from a video with B-List actor or a commercial playing at the pump.

It's possible most people wouldn't recognize the name of any legendary opera singers. We only recognized Luciano Pavarotti's name. That's him below.

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Luciano Pavarotti Getty Images
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There is an interesting, somewhat startling reason for the operatic tones at gas stations and other public places.

Safety

Gas stations are resorting to opera or even classical music blasting outside their convenience stores to prevent loitering.

Some 7-Eleven stores use it to prevent the gathering of homeless people. Other gas stations, like the Speedway in Burton at Court Street & Center Road (owned by 7-Eleven), have started using the tactic.

Speedway at Court Street & Center Road Burton, MI Credit: Google Street View
Speedway at Court Street & Center Road Burton, MI Credit: Google Street View
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Some customers weighed in about the practice on Burton City Chat (Facebook group) saying they're so annoyed they'll avoid stopping there all together. Others see it as a low-cost deterrent.

Thankfully, it's usually only used on an as-needed basis.

The Most Popular Fast Food Restaurants in Michigan

What are the most popular fast-food restaurants here in Michigan? If you're automatically assuming that the chain with the Golden Arches has the most locations, you're in for a shock.

As you take a look at the pics below, see if you can figure out which location we've featured. All pictures are from the greater Flint area, and we've left in just enough background for you to be able to make an educated guess.

The answers are below.

By the way, the ranking is based on the restaurants with the most locations in The Mitten, based on data from the Friendly City Lab at Georgia Tech. Their numbers are based on data compiled in 2021, so some numbers may have fluctuated since then.

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