KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Convenience-store retailer Pilot Flying J will open six new travel centers in West Texas this year that will have a combined 250 truck parking spaces, the company said.
This will bring the company’s number of stores in Texas to 92, with more than 20 in the Permian Basin area, which includes western Texas and southeastern New Mexico.
"We're committed to making a better day for people living, working and traveling through Texas and across the nation," said Ken Parent, president of Pilot Flying J. "We continue to invest in new stores located strategically across the country to bring convenience, quality, great food and amenities to those who are traveling the roadways. By expanding our network in the Permian Basin, we hope to better serve the exponential growth and rising traffic in the region."
Three of the six stores opened between June 13 and June 27. They included a Flying J Travel Center in Kermit, Texas, and two Pilot Travel Centers in Monahans (pictured) and Midland, Texas. The final three, set to open later this year, will be in Odessa, Midland and Andrews, Texas.
Pilot Flying J expects these six stores to add about 150 jobs and contribute more than $6.4 million in state and local tax revenue, the company said. While the amenities vary per store, most will include the company’s PJ Fresh Marketplace, a Dunkin’ Express, numerous diesel lanes and fueling stations, CAT scales, truck parking spots and showers, the company said.
Alongside the openings, Pilot Flying J will donate $15,000 to benefit technology programs at the local school districts in Kermit, Monahans and Midland.
"Pilot Flying J is honored to be a part of the West Texas community and to contribute to the local school districts," said Matt Testa, vice president of operations for Pilot Flying J. "We invite residents and those traveling through the West Texas region to visit our new locations. Our friendly team members look forward to serving our guests and providing a clean, all-in-one fuel stop with a variety of food, drinks, supplies and amenities."
Based in Knoxville, Tenn., Pilot Flying J has more than 750 retail locations in 44 states. The company offers roadside assistance at from more than 135 locations nationwide and has 44 Goodyear Commercial Tire and Service Centers and 34 Boss Shops. The Pilot Flying J network provides drivers with access to more than 72,000 parking spaces for trucks, with Prime Parking at more than 400 locations; 5,200 deluxe showers; and more than 6,200 diesel lanes, with 5,200 offering DEF at the pump. The company ranked No. 12 in the Top 40 update to CSP’s 2018 Top 202 ranking of c-store chains by number of retail sites.
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