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08-28-2025 by Amy Toner How to Participate in the NATSO Foundation’s Partnership with Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America places wreaths for veterans at the Arlington National Cemetery on National Wreaths Across America Day. The NATSO Foundation aims to raise funds through wreath sponsorships to fill one trailer load of sponsored veterans’ wreaths (approximately 4,500).

To support the NATSO Foundation in reaching its goal, travel centers can participate by soliciting Wreaths Across America sponsorships through December 2, 2025.
08-28-2025
08-14-2025 by Amy Toner Nisqually Markets is Nimble, Serving the Community with Food

As soon as we read about Nisqually Markets’ Ramen Go! Experience, we knew we had to have Sam Roark, director of retail operations for Nisqually Markets, on the podcast. Nisqually Markets has it all – innovative technology, experiential offerings, and good food.
Listen in as Roark walks listeners through everything that makes Nisqually Markets so special.
08-14-2025
07-09-2025 by Amy Toner Truck Washes Are Picking Up at Travel Centers

Class 8 truck registrations are trending upward, creating more opportunities for truck and trailer washes. Clean trucks not only help fleets improve their image but also help minimize the risk of corrosion from road salts and grime buildup. There are also regulatory requirements mandating trailer washes depending on the type of trailer and the commodity being hauled.

Fleets and drivers often plan stops based on the services available, which could help locations with truck washes boost business.

Vicki Hendon, president of Danny’s Truck Wash, which is Arizona, said her truck wash makes the location a destination, and she has seen an increase in truck washes. “I am washing trucks in the West,” Hendon said. “When the weather is bad in the East we wash trucks in the West. Our truck wash season starts when the snow and bad weather starts early in other parts of the country.”

Nick Wollenman, general manager of Deluxe Truck Stop, said a lot of the location’s existing customer base for exterior washes are local fleets and farmers, but starting in late 2024 and into this year, he has seen more non-local drivers come in for exterior washing. “To be honest most of them are filthy dirty and really need the wash,” he said.
07-09-2025
07-08-2025 by Amy Toner NATSO Foundation Partners with Wreaths Across America

This year, the NATSO Foundation is partnering with the nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) in the nationwide Truckloads of Remembrance initiative.

Through this initiative, the NATSO Foundation has joined WAA in raising awareness and support for the sponsorship of veterans’ wreaths for placement by volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery.

To support the NATSO Foundation in reaching its goal, truck stops and travel centers can participate by soliciting wreath sponsorships now through December 2, 2025. Truck stops and travel centers should ask for donations using this NATSO Foundation link: www.natso.com/wreathsacrossamerica.
07-08-2025
06-24-2025 by Amy Toner All American Truckers Paradise is Not Your Average Truck Stop

At All American Truckers Paradise, they’re setting a new bar for what a truck stop can be. Located on Interstate 35 in Gainesville, TX, the newly opened All American Truckers Paradise was designed with the trucker in mind.

Dean Ash, CEO of All American Trucker’s Paradise, joined the NATSO Foundation’s podcast to discuss the plethora of unique amenities, including soul food, no-wait mobile fueling and truck washing services, and a very unique mail and package offering.

06-24-2025
06-19-2025 by NATSO Foundation Travel Center Product Mixes are Changing

It is easier than ever for professional drivers to park their tractor-trailer then head off-property for food, which means competition for drivers’ dollars is increasing.

Ideas to combat this trend include:
Consider investing in appealing attractions around the travel center could make it a destination.
To help increase variety for drivers, get creative with their food offerings by adding rotating food trucks or non-traditional QSR offerings.
Offer solutions that get them fresh food quickly such as salad bars, fresh produce and more interesting grab-and-go.

“There is a location outside of Las Vegas that offers a free shuttle to the Strip. That is why drivers stop there,” said Peter Rasmussen, CEO and founder, Convenience & Energy Advisors, who spent time with WaWa before launching his business. “In my WaWa days, we would build parcels with McDonalds and Starbucks. They’re competitors, but it makes that intersection a powerhouse.”
06-19-2025
06-18-2025 by Amy Toner Join Us at Fast Forward Focus 2025

NATSO and the NATSO Foundation’s leadership event, Fast Forward Focus, will be held Oct. 29 – 30, 2025 at the InterContinental Minneapolis – St. Paul Airport.

NATSO’s Fast Forward Focus is designed to help highway fuel retailers gain insight into how trends are likely to affect their operating environment. At Fast Forward Focus, it is always the interaction among outstanding peers around the room that turns expert information into actionable insights.

We have a terrific lineup of speakers with insights to help travel centers grow their businesses and prepare for what’s ahead planned.
06-18-2025
06-05-2025 by Amy Toner Join Meet-and-Greet with Travel Center Technology Experts

On Thursday, June 12, join the NATSO Foundation and members of the Technology Steering Council for a virtual meet-and-greet. After hearing about each company, you will self-select a Zoom breakout room for a 15-minute demo on their company’s solutions.

The NATSO Foundation Technology Steering Council is a group of technology experts selected for their ability to lead the truck stop and travel center industry on technology issues.
06-05-2025
05-28-2025 by Amy Toner NATSO Foundation Releases Top Microtrends Shaping the Truck Stop and Travel Center Industry in 2025 Report

Staying ahead of industry trends—especially microtrends—enables travel centers to seize new opportunities, adapt to market dynamics and meet customer needs proactively.

The NATSO Foundation created the Top Microtrends Shaping the Truck Stop and Travel Center Industry in 2025 Report to provide actionable insights to help operators maintain a competitive edge.

The report is available for download for $250.

The Top Microtrends Shaping the Truck Stop and Travel Center Industry in 2025 Report was created with generous support from CAT Scale.
05-28-2025
05-14-2025 by Mindy Long Valor Oil’s Hop Shops Draw Customers in with a Unique Attraction

Kentucky-based Valor Oil operates 15 Hop Shop convenience stores and is in the process of building its first truck stop from the ground up. The company is investing $2 million in the truck stop, which is in Owensboro, Kentucky. It will sit on about 15 acres and feature a 9,500-square-foot store along with 120 parking spaces.

The newest location will also feature something Hop Shop has become known for—its disco bathrooms.

Hop Shop’s mascot is a mischievous frog named Hopper, and he warns customers not to push the red button in the bathroom. “If you push the red button, that is when the disco starts,” said Tim Dupin, director of store operations, Valor Oil.
05-14-2025

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