ºÚÁÏÉçÇø

Gordon Price, national sales director at DAS Companies Inc., has spent a significant amount of time inside of truckstops and travel plazas throughout the country, which is why I so highly value his opinion. This week, I asked him to sit down with me for a Q&A about Coffee Cup Fuel Stops newly renovated location, which is in Vermillion, South Dakota.

Holiday sales can add up to big profits, and Trail’s Travel Center in Albert Lea, Minnesota, is ready to take advantage of seasonal opportunities.

I always love the opportunity to learn from our fellow operators abroad. A few years back, ºÚÁÏÉçÇømembers had the chance to visit Irish travel centers during a European Study Tour. Recently, Tim Dumler, who is building a travel center in Castle Rock, Colorado, visited some travel plaza locations in Ireland for inspiration on his new build.

Paul Bhardwaj, CEO and founder of Golden Oil, which operates four truckstops and is in the process of building its fifth, has been in the truckstop industry for more than 30 years. During that time, he has seen amenities and driver preferences change, and the locations do a fantastic job of staying current and remaining relevant.

With all of the cars and heavy-duty trucks coming and going at a truckstop or travel plaza, it is important drivers know where to go. Jubitz Travel Center in Portland, Oregon, has done a fantastic job with its directional signage, which provides customers with important information, improves the customer experience and increases safety.

The Route 66 Food n Fuel location in Joliet, Illinois, is incredibly busy, and it can move through thousands of customers each day, especially during large events at the Chicagoland Speedway, which is adjacent to the location.

If you haven’t been to Food N Fuel in Elwood, Illinois, you’re missing out. The location is full of dozens of great ideas that add to the overall experience for local customers and professional drivers alike.