Robinson Oil Invests in San Jose Commercial Buildings

Robinson Oil has bought four commercial buildings in South San Jose for $38.8 million.

The Santa Clara-based operator of Rotten Robbie gas stations purchased the portfolio of office and industrial properties at 3641, 3680, 3710, 3732 and 3851 Charter Park Drive, the San Jose Mercury News reported.

The seller was F&W Investment, based in San Jose. The size, measured in square feet, of the single-story campus was not disclosed.

F&W also provided the buyer with a loan for an unspecified amount of money at the time of the purchase, the county records show. Terms were not disclosed.

The purchase allows Robinson Oil to diversify its real estate holdings, executives say. Robinson invested in the properties because their tenants use their facilities for in-person work.

“This is an investment for our company,” Tom Robinson, chairman of Robinson Oil, told the Mercury News. “We think the commercial and industrial space is a good solid space that is somewhat resistant to Amazon online shopping.

“The tenants utilize the facility for storage or some sort of work that has to be done in person,” he said. “These properties are not like an office building that might have a lot of vacancies because people are working remotely.”

Robinson Oil, founded in 1938 and in the family for four generations, runs 36 gas stations and convenience stores across the greater Bay Area, according to its website.

— Dana Bartholomew