GRAND ISLAND, Neb. & KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Seeking to refocus the company's efforts on its truck repair business and restaurants, Bosselman Travel Centers Inc. has sold seven Bosselman travel centers located in Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Nebraska to Pilot Flying J.
"These travel centers have had special meaning to Bosselman over the years; however, with the changing times and economy, we are looking to place a stronger emphasis on our truck repair shops and full-service restaurants," said Chuck Bosselman, chairman of Bosselman Travel Centers. "The sale to Pilot Flying J will allow Bosselman to further expand its Boss Truck Shop network nationwide and to add additional variety to Pilot Flying J's network of full-service restaurants through the addition of Grandma Max's Restaurants."
As reported in a Morgan Keegan/CSP Daily News Flash yesterday, the acquisition is set to close on January 5, 2012.
The transaction does not include the Bosselman Travel Center flagship location on I-80 just south of Grand Island, Neb., or any other of the Bosselman companies' businesses, the company said.
In addition to Pilot Flying J's acquisition, Pilot Flying J and Bosselman have reached an agreement to expand Bosselman's Boss Truck Shops to 20 additional Pilot Flying J travel centers across the nation.
"Pilot Flying J is pleased to add these Bosselman travel centers to its network. Bosselman facilities are well run, have always had a strong focus on serving the professional driver as well as the traveling motorist and already offer many of the same amenities as Pilot Flying J. Pilot Flying J has no doubt that these travel centers will transition smoothly into the Pilot Flying J network," said Pilot Flying J president and CEO Jimmy Haslam. "In addition, with the implementation of CSA 2010, Pilot Flying J and its drivers will benefit from expanding Boss Shops at its locations across the nation."
Launched in December 2010, Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative designed to improve large truck and bus safety. The ultimate goal of CSA is to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities that are related to commercial motor vehicles.
In 2004, Bosselman and Pilot Travel Centers LLC entered into a trademark license and service agreement for the use of Pilot's trademark at several of the acquired locations. As a result, customers still will see the same Pilot Flying J brand on signage at the interstate facilities. Pilot Flying J plans to add enhanced quick-service restaurant (QSR) offerings, implementation of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) at the pump, Pilot Flying J's loyalty program and enhanced showers and remodeled restrooms at many of these locations.
The Bosselman companies are based 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; eight Bosselman Travel Centers; six Grandma Max's and Max's Highway Diner Restaurants, Sam Bass' Saloon & Steakhouse and a Schmooter's; Food Courts including Subway, Little Caesars, Wendy's, and Caribou Coffee; 34 Boss Shops; and the Nebraska Danger Indoor Professional Football Team.
Pilot Flying J is based in Knoxville, Tenn., and has more than 550 retail locations across North America.
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