KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Pilot Flying J and Bosselman Travel Centers Inc. said that they have completed the sale of seven Bosselman travel centers in the Midwest to Pilot Flying J.
The centers are located in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota and were open for business January 5 as Pilot Travel Centers. The purchase of the travel centers, for which plans were originally announced in November, gives Pilot Flying J a more complete presence in the Midwest.
"These seven stops significantly enhance our network by shrinking the distance our customers travel to receive service in the Upper Midwest," said Pilot Flying J president and CEO Jimmy Haslam. "The centers are also very driver-driven facilities. We know the professional driver will enjoy and want to take advantage of this expanded network."
In addition to Pilot Flying J's acquisition, the companies agreed to expand Bosselman's Boss Truck Shops repair facilities to 20 additional Pilot Flying J locations across the country.
Haslam said the expanded Boss Truck Shop locations at Pilot Flying J would help drivers comply with federal regulations designed to improve large truck and bus safety by reducing accidents involving commercial vehicles.
Bosselman will maintain its Grand Island, Neb., Bosselman Travel Center and with the sale will be able to place a stronger emphasis on its truck repair shop network and full-service restaurants.
Bosselman will maintain the Grandma Max's Restaurants inside the Travel Centers in Salina, Kansas, and Big Springs, Neb.; Max's Highway Diner inside the Des Moines (Altoona), Iowa, location; the Boss Truck Shops located at Des Moines (Altoona); Salina, Kansas; Rapid City, South Dakota; and Big Springs, Nebraska; and the Hampton Inn in Colby, Kansas. And 35 Boss Shops across the United States will continue to serve the transportation industry through the Uni-Maxx Truck Care network, with more than 75 shops nationwide.
The newly acquired centers are located in Des Moines (Altoona), Iowa; Colby, Kansas; Salina, Kansas; Rapid City, S.D.; Big Springs, Neb.; Wood River, Neb.; and Elm Creek, Neb.
At these locations, Pilot Flying J is increasing fast-food offerings, adding diesel exhaust fuel (DEF) at the pump and implementing the company's loyalty program, as well as enhancing showers and remodeling restrooms.
"The transition has been a smooth one, and professional drivers and traveling motorists will enjoy many of the same amenities that are available at all Pilot Flying J locations nationwide," Haslam said.
Pilot Flying J, the driver-driven company, is based in Knoxville, Tenn., and has more than 550 retail locations across North America. Pilot Flying J is also one of the nation's largest wholesale fuel providers, delivering more than 500 million gallons of fuel to thousands of customers in 47 states and eight Canadian provinces.
The Bosselman companies are headquartered in Grand Island, Neb., and own and operate 46 Pump & Pantry convenience stores; a Hampton Inn, three Pump & Pantry Motels and five Motel 6 franchises; a Bosselman Travel Center; six Grandma Max's and Max's Highway Diner Restaurants, Sam Bass' Saloon & Steakhouse, and Schmooter's Bar & Casino; Food Courts including Subway, Little Caesars, and Caribou Coffee; 35 Boss Shops; and the Nebraska Danger Indoor Professional Football Team. Founded in 1948, Bosselman's has expanded across the nation in 20 states.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.