Why are McDonald's and some gas stations so adamant on putting their stores right next to other McDonald's and gas stations

It seems like every major intersection with a 5th chain restaurant, 5th gas station, and 2 5th chain restaurants. Is it because the cost of property is substantially cheaper if a long time business that has the property already to sell it to other businesses and lease it back to them for a profit?<br><br>Edit: I should probably check the comments before editing. My apologies. I didn't expect so many replies in such a short amount of time. Thank you for all the great answers, especially the ones from restaurant franchise owners.