Pilot Co.

Pilot Co. is one of the largest networks of travel centers in the country. Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Pilot is a wholly owned subsidiary of Omaha, Nebraska-based Berkshire Hathaway and employs approximately 30,000 team members. 

In recent years, Pilot began a financial transition culminating with the investment-holding giant Berkshire Hathaway, gaining total ownership of Pilot in 2024. The investment firm bought a 38.6% stake in Pilot Flying J in October 2017 for $2.76 billion, then grew its ownership stake to 80% in 2023, buying more of what had then become Pilot Co. Finally, in January 2024, Berkshire Hathaway acquired Pilot's remaining 20% interest.

In 2023, the company opened 10 new travel centers and welcomed more than 20 dealer locations to its network. The new stores were located along major routes in key markets, including Yucca and Ash Fork, Arizona; Colton and Rialto, California; Gallup, New Mexico; McCarran, Nevada; Edon, Ohio; Holladay, Tennessee; Odessa, Texas; and Wamsutter, Wyoming. In late 2023, Pilot celebrated more than 100 completed remodels under its $1 billion "New Horizons" initiative.

The company started its remodeling program in 2022. Major enhancements included curb-to-counter makeovers with refreshed restrooms and showers, new kitchens, expanded food and beverage options and updated technology.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are as of Jan. 1, 2025.