Creating a Dining Experience at Your Travel Center
The appeal of a sit-down restaurant is not always about the food itself. It’s about comfort, connection and personal attention, which means providing a place to sit and rest can serve the same purpose as sit-down restaurants. Port Fuel Center has seating for about 50 people, even though most customers take their food to go.
Grab-and-go, built-to-order and quick service models each offer distinct approaches to serving food and different roles to play in meeting customers’ demands.
Fast and Fresh Food Travel Center Offerings Considerations
Truck stops and travel centers typically have multiple food offerings under one roof and create a mix of grab-and-go, built-to-order and quick service options that can appeal to customers who are on the go. Creating the right combination allows operators to meet a wide range of customer needs and ensures there is something for everyone.
Grab-and-go, built-to-order and quick service models each offer distinct approaches to serving food and different roles to play in meeting customers’ demands.
09-03-2026
NATSO Welcomes Surface Tech as a Chairman’s Circle Member
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDATE: August 4, 2026 ALEXANDRIA, Va. — NATSO, the association representing America’s travel centers and truck stops, is pleased to welcome Surface Tech as a new Chairman’s Circle […]
08-04-2026
NATSO Foundation Releases Truck Stop and Travel Center Safety Guidance Toolkit
The NATSO Foundation has released the Truck Stop and Travel Center Safety Guidance Toolkit, a comprehensive resource designed to help truck stop and travel center owners, managers and staff build safer environments for employees, drivers and the communities they serve.
“Truck stops and travel centers play a critical role in keeping professional drivers, local communities and the traveling public moving safely,” said Amy Toner, executive director of the NATSO Foundation. “This toolkit is designed to help truck stop and travel center operators make safety part of everyday operations so everyone at the location feels protected and supported.”
07-20-2026
Fuel Retailers Applaud Upcoming House Vote on Penny Legislation
ALEXANDRIA, VA. — NATSO, representing truck stops and travel centers, and SIGMA: America’s Leading Fuel Marketers, applaud the U.S. House of Representatives for taking definitive steps to resolve the ongoing […]
07-13-2026
President Directs Federal Action on Vehicle Repair
President Trump on June 29 signed a Presidential Memoranda directing federal action to protect Americans’ right to repair their own vehicles and expand access to aftermarket parts, without being accused […]
06-29-2026
Four More Key Findings on Driver Buying Behavior at Travel Centers
The NATSO Foundation has released its 2026 Annual Professional Driver Buying Behavior at Travel Centers Survey Toolkit, giving truck stop and travel center operators new insights into the factors shaping where professional drivers choose to stop, their wants and needs, and what makes them return to a location.
The survey revealed that truck stops and travel centers are competing not only on location and fuel price, but also on the overall stopping experience. Operators focusing on efficiency, safety, cleanliness and value have incredible opportunities to attract customers, increase loyalty and convert customer traffic into sales.
Key findings include:
Loyalty programs influence drivers’ decisions on where to stop and can be a powerful tool to attract value-minded consumers. More than a one-third of drivers prefer to redeem loyalty program points for free showers, followed by in-store discounts and merchandise discounts…
06-26-2026
Five Key Findings on Driver Buying Behavior at Travel Centers
The NATSO Foundation has released its 2026 Annual Professional Driver Buying Behavior at Travel Centers Survey Toolkit, giving truck stop and travel center operators new insights into the factors shaping where professional drivers choose to stop, their wants and needs, and what makes them return to a location.
The survey revealed that truck stops and travel centers are competing not only on location and fuel price, but also on the overall stopping experience. Operators focusing on efficiency, safety, cleanliness and value have incredible opportunities to attract customers, increase loyalty and convert customer traffic into sales.
Key findings include:
Very few drivers plan their stops far in advance, making awareness and visibility critical to attracting customers. Most drivers—42%—said they plan their fuel stops the same day. The top factors drivers consider when choosing a truck stop are fuel prices, plenty of parking and easy access to the interstate…
06-17-2026
NATSO Foundation Releases 2026 Professional Driver Buying Behavior Toolkit
The NATSO Foundation has released its 2026 Annual Professional Driver Buying Behavior at Travel Centers Survey Toolkit, giving truck stop and travel center operators new insights into the factors shaping where professional drivers choose to stop, their wants and needs, and what makes them return to a location.
The toolkit found that while fuel prices remain important, drivers increasingly evaluate travel centers based on the overall experience, including parking availability, cleanliness, safety, lighting, convenience and loyalty rewards.
“Drivers are making decisions based on the full experience, not just cost,” said Amy Toner, executive director of the NATSO Foundation. “Operators that invest in safe, clean and efficient locations will be better positioned to attract drivers and ensure repeat visits.”
06-09-2026
NATSO Welcomes T Lines as a Chairman’s Circle Member
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDATE: June 9, 2026 ALEXANDRIA, VA — NATSO, representing America’s travel centers and truck stops, is pleased to welcome T Lines as a new Chairman’s Circle member. Through this […]
06-09-2026