When Numan Dharani opened Abbott’s Travel Center in Abbott, Texas, in September, he purposely aimed to offer “items not typically offered at convenience.”
“It’s like Walmart meets Toys R Us.”
That has included giant speakers, clothing and apparel, mini toy cars and motorcycles for 3- to 5-year-olds, and other items for children.
“It’s like Walmart meets Toys R Us, with a broad mix that people can consider for both grocery shopping, as well as holiday and birthday gifting,” Dharani says.
The store itself is a 12,000-square-foot location about 80 miles south of Dallas with an emphasis on novelty gifts and souvenir items, plus locally sourced foods and beverages, much of it delivered to travelers and truckers who are just passing through.
“We have partnered with a roaster based out of Bryan-College Station for dispensed coffee called Polite Coffee Roasters,” Dharani says. “Cornucopia Popcorn is a gourmet, eclectic popcorn company from Austin. … Baked by Sarah offers freshly made local muffins and pastries from a town near Abbott.”