What You Missed in the Biz Brief This Week: August 6, 2014

Davis Travel Center Focuses on Fundamentals and more...
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In today’s information-overloaded business world, we often find ourselves deluged with literally hundreds of news items from dozens of sources. While it is likely impossible to read every article and remain productive, by not doing so we risk missing the one article that could change a key business practice or thought process. And that is where the NATSO Foundation’s publication, Biz Brief, provides assistance! The NATSO Foundation's Biz Brief is a daily collection of the most relevant business intelligence for truckstop and travel plaza operators. 

While we think the Biz Brief is a must-read every day, if you only read ten news articles this week, these ten most-clicked Biz Brief articles are the ten to read. 

  1. Davis Travel Center Focuses on Fundamentals 
    The staff at Davis Travel Center is committed to ensuring that the product they put forth is the best there is on Interstate 95. And they do so by executing on the key operational drivers that require fundamental blocking and tackling each day. Outstanding customer service, clean restrooms, high curb appeal, SKU performance management, back-room security, check-in and check-out policies for vendors and inventory shrink control procedures are just a few of the practices in place at this Virginia travel center. Click here to read more >

  2. Recognizing Signs of Stress 
    Often the signs that we send out to those around us are a direct result of the amount of stress we are under. It is hard to give the perception that you care about others if you are focused on your own concerns. The attached article outlines 10 signs that you or other members of your team are under excessive stress, including the tendency to hand customers off to others, not responding appropriately to phone calls and emails, listening with only half an ear and overlooking details. Click here to read more >

  3. A Multi-Tasking Travel Center Operator 
    Mary Dysart Hartt, a member of the family that owns Dysart's Truck Stop on Interstate 95 in Hermon, Maine, will never be accused of setting low expectations. In addition to operating the restaurant at Dysart's, Mary is an avid photographer. She recently won the award for the best black and white still photo of the year in New England. Mary also has introduced healthier entrees to Dysart's including a gluten-free menu. Now she has set her sights on running a marathon in every state in the United States. She currently has 21 marathons under her belt after starting her running career just 10 years ago. It would not be wise to bet against Mary on her marathon quest. Click here to read more >

  4. Where Do Business Travelers Eat? 
    The days of business people having a "three martini lunch" are clearly a thing of the past. Now, travel center operators have an opportunity to attract business travelers. While most business dining (81 percent) takes place in non-chain, non-quick serve restaurants, fast food restaurants commanded the largest share of expenses on an individual basis. The top fast food brands chosen by these travelers include Starbucks, McDonald's, Subway, Panera Bread, HMS Host and Dunkin' Donuts. An operator that has partnered with one of these chains has a better chance of luring the business traveler. Click here to read more >

  5. Curb Appeal Differentiates Virginia Travel Plazas 
    Realtors will often tell home-selling clients to set their property apart from others with landscaping touches. NATSO member Bobby Berkstresser understands the benefits of that advice. Berkstresser's two facilities in Virginia, the Lee Hi Travel Plaza and White's Travel Center, utilize landscaping as one of the many ways it differentiates itself from other travel plazas. One customer commented, “This place has the nicest arrangements of flowers and some of the best landscaping I have seen on the interstate. It makes me feel so comfortable.” Click here to read more >
  6. Sysco Hit With $20 Million Penalty 
    The country's largest food distribution company has been charged with $20 million in restitution costs and penalties for illegally holding perishable foods in unrefrigerated sheds. The incidents, which occurred in California, involved Sysco food trucks that delivered small food orders to unrefrigerated and unsanitary sheds. That food would then be picked up later by other employees who would use their personal vehicles to deliver the food to restaurants, hotels, hospitals and schools. The company has since abolished the practice. Click here to read more >

  7. Prime Sleep Time 
    Trucking company Prime Inc. is tackling the issue of sleep apnea with its drivers. The carrier is performing sleep apnea awareness and testing among its drivers and those enrolled in the company’s student training program. Prime has a sleep lab at its Training Center where drivers and enrollees can undergo testing. According to Steve Field, director of safety with Prime, "Fatigued driving and sleep disorders are two critical issues facing our industry, and we’re doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our drivers and the safety of everyone on the road.” Click here to read more >

  8. Senate Approves Highway Funding Bill, But Changes Could Hinder Passage 
    The Senate passed its version of a highway bill extension, but adopted two key changes to the $11 billion measure that could hinder its passage before the August recess. The Senate voted to strip House language that would fund transportation largely through pension smoothing and replaced some of those funds with tax compliance language. Senators also voted to extend existing transportation law through December, instead of May. Click here to read more >

  9. Toronto's Oldest Truckstop to Close 
    In 1969 the Pinecrest Restaurant and Truck Stop, located on Highway 7 in Ontario, Canada opened offering customers a coffee and order of toast for just 25 cents. On Aug. 2, the landmark travel center will serve its last cup of coffee. Owners Kay and Bill Nikolakakos say that the area’s heavy construction is a primary reason for permanently closing instead of handing down the restaurant to someone else. The establishment is Toronto’s oldest family-owned truck stop. Click here to read more >

  10. Love's to Open in North Fort Myers, Fla. 
    August 14 marks the planned opening of the newest Love's Travel Stop on I-75 in North Fort Myers, Fla. The $7.5 million, 11,000 square-foot facility is located at Exit 143. The travel stop will offer a Wendy's and Subway restaurant, convenience store and 16 fueling stations for gasoline and eight for diesel. It also will feature private showers and a truck tire center. This will be the company's ninth Florida location. Click here to read more >


I might be biased, but I think if you aren't receiving Biz Brief, you are missing out! Not a subscriber? Be sure to submit a request to be added to the email list. Already receive it and have feedback for me? Be sure to email me at editor@natso.com.

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