After completing the first few quests in Roadside Research, you’ll eventually be given the task “Buy your first license shop upgrade.” If you find yourself confused about where or how to do this, don’t worry—it’s not very obvious at first. Here’s exactly how to get your first license shop upgrade and complete the quest.
Where to Buy the First License Shop Upgrade in Roadside Research

The “license” upgrade is simply any upgrade purchased from the Upgrade Store on the Alien computer.
Head to the back of your shop and interact with the Alien computer screen. From there, open the Upgrade app and choose any available upgrade.
The cheapest option is the Decoration upgrade, which costs $50 and unlocks items like the ATM and boombox. However, the most useful early upgrade is the Drinks upgrade found under the Products & Shelving section. This upgrade unlocks three new drink products, allowing you to start earning more money right away.
Once you purchase any upgrade from the Upgrade app, the quest will complete instantly.
The following quest introduces construction mode. Press Tab to enter it, where you can buy fridges, shelves, decorations, and other equipment. Construction mode functions like a shop menu, giving you access to everything you need to expand and manage your gas station efficiently.