At Lancaster Travel Plaza in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a kids’ play area, a water fountain and new landscaping all add to the curb appeal, drawing in four-wheel and professional drivers alike. The changes were all part of a renovation that took place under the location’s new owner, Anil Jivani, who purchased the location in 2012.
Jivani addressed a number of maintenance, employee and customer service issues. “We added a Subway restaurant, improved our customer service and tackled a big list of merchandising improvements. We received a big response from all that work,” Jivani said. All this helped increase the number of gallons the location sells to 300,000 from 70,000. He also credits their success to their association with AMBEST and NATSO.
As part of the renovation, Lancaster Travel Plaza added LED lighting both on the fuel islands and inside the store. They also installed solar panels using funding from federal and state grants. It will take six to seven years to recoup the equipment cost on the solar panels and then their electricity needs will be completely supported by the solar farm. Visit www.natso.com/lancastersolarfarm to learn more about their solar farm great idea.
The owner also added diesel exhaust fluid and air pumps. He redid the concrete and curbs, renovated the pylon sign and added a message board. He has plans to unbrand their diesel.
In addition to attracting families, travelers and professional drivers, Lancaster Travel Plaza also works to attract tour buses. The location offers a complimentary meal and coffee refills for the tour operators and bus drivers.
Morning and lunchtime are the busiest times of the day at the location, in part due to the Subway restaurant. “Truck drivers often grab a subway sandwich or a small snack,” Jivani said.
To prepare for the lunch rush, Lancaster Travel Plaza ensures all shifts are covered properly and makes sure that highly trained employees are available during the peak hours.
Photos Credit: Jules Clifford
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