This spring, TravelCenters of America (TA) opened a new Petro Stopping Center in Columbia, South Carolina. The 42,000-square-foot facility has eight diesel lanes, parking for 134 trucks, 10 showers, a CAT Scale, a Minute Mart convenience store, a very large game center, a t.v./movie room and a workout room.
In an effort to make a destination spot for the professional truck driver as well as the local community, it also has a Starbucks, a 16-lane bowling alley, 10 BP-branded gasoline lanes, a Quaker Steak and Lube restaurant and 315 car parking spots.
“This is the first time we’ve added so many car parking spots and the restrooms are huge. There is one in the front of the facility and one by the bowling alley,” said Barry Richards, executive vice president for TA...