TravelCenters of America to Remodel More Than 100 Locations

WESTLAKE, Ohio — As the chain's 50th anniversary approaches in 2022, TravelCenters of America has unveiled a nationwide site upgrade plan and new travel center design concept with the grand re-opening of the TA in Seymour, Ind., the first of more than 100 travel center refresh projects the company expects to complete in the next 18 months. TA also launched “The Kitchen,” a new fast-casual dining experience it will roll out at select locations nationwide.

Here are more details on the site upgrades and design …

TA’s transformation plan includes a “robust” capital investment strategy focused on travel center upgrades, reimagined food concepts and technology improvements designed to provide a consistent, seamless travel center experience.

“As we continue advancing our transformation plan and improving the guest experience, we are delivering on our mission of returning every traveler to the road better than they came,” said Jon Pertchik, CEO of TA. “Focusing on operational excellence and refreshing our travel centers will position TA as the preferred travel center operator for professional drivers and motorists. We look forward to driving continued growth and value-creation through the disciplined execution of our strategy.”

The Seymour, Ind., travel center is a remodeled site that showcases TA’s new design plans. Renovated restrooms, upgraded showers, comfortable driver lounges and repaved parking lots are key components of many planned travel center refreshes. New lighting fixtures, new flooring and paint add cosmetic elements which create a welcoming, pleasant atmosphere, with improved signage and new store flow creating an easy to navigate travel center experience.

TA is also introducing The Kitchen, a dining experience offering “fresh food fast,” at its Seymour travel center and expects to introduce this concept to select locations across its network.

At The Kitchen, customers can receive freshly prepared food for sitdown dining in a fast-casual environment, as well as packaged meals and snacks for grab and go. TA is focused on providing a food variety with well-balanced and healthy options, regional inspiration and trending flavors that appeal to both professional drivers and motorists.

The chain is also implementing new hot and cold beverage technology to offer bean-to-cup coffee, iced coffee, frozen beverages and sodas. New standalone heated and refrigerated displays will offer guests a more seamless shopping experience.

Based in Westlake, Ohio, TravelCenters of America has more than 275 locations in 44 states and Canada, principally under the TA, Petro Stopping Centers and TA Express brands. Offerings include diesel and gasoline fuel, truck maintenance and repair, travel stores, car and truck parking and other services. It operates more than 600 full-service and quick-service restaurants and nine proprietary brands, including Iron Skillet and Country Pride.

TravelCenters of America is No. 28 on CSP's 2021 Top 202 ranking of c-store chains by store count.

Click here for an in-depth video with more details on TA's plans.