NASHVILLE -- Government officials are pleading with middle Tennesseans, asking them to only by what gas they absolutely need after a gas panic started late last week and drained station supplies.

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean released a statement Sunday saying that although Nashville is receiving shipments of gas, supply cannot keep up with the demand.

Dean asked everyone to be responsible and to only purchase what they need. Once stations build up their reserves again, he said consumer habits and the market will return to normal.

Many ignored his plea, however, and lined up down the street to fill up their cars and gas cans. This panic at the pump is not only hurting residents, but is also causing some dramatic shifts for local businesses.

At the corner of Charlotte Pike and Hillwood Boulevard, the gas stations are out of product. The nearby Chicago Style Gyros restaurant has been feeling the swell and wane of the business rush.

Friday's pile-up at the pump meant extra profit for the eatery.

"Cars were all the way up there, and you know, we got some business from it,"said Nawuzad Piro, owner of Chicago Style Gyros. "People drive all the way here, fill up with gas and come and eat too."

Yet, despite the previous day's boom, business was cut in half on Saturday.

"People don't have enough to buy gas or don't want to drive -- save for work and home," said Piro.

Even those essential trips have been difficult. Finding gas to make it to work at Dalt’s Grill was a struggle for Grant Jones on Sunday.

"I left an hour early because I realized I was on empty this morning," said Jones. "There's no way I could have gotten to work unless I got someone to pick me up. I would not have been able to come to work."

With gas stations running dry, it's difficult to find fuel before it’s gone and consumers are left trying to track it down.

"It's just a really big hassle," Jones said. "I run out again, I'm going to have to search for gas again this week."

Evan after employees arrive, Dalt’s Grill has another gas-related dilemma to deal with –- the high demand for delivery.

"My roommate -- who also works here -- was trying to get gas for three hours on a run," said Jones. "Needless to say, there was late food, angry customers."

Delivery accounts for 20 percent of Dalt's business, and they said they have no plans to drop the service. Still, that leaves the business in a squeeze.

"Delivery charges have gone up, food has gone up, and that pretty much comes right out of our pockets when it comes to tip because people who order the same thing and pay the same amount, the difference comes from our pocket," said Michael Vasilevskis, a restaurant employee.