NATSO member Charlene Poe found her way to the truckstop and travel plaza industry while researching a business idea on opening a car care clinic and connecting it to a casual dining offering.
Prior to NATSO Connect 2023, Poe and her daughters were in the pre-development phase, researching sites and learning everything they can about the travel plaza and truckstop industry and have plans to open a location in the southern end of Delaware. “We’re all a team that really want to focus on bringing something new,” said Tiana Walker, one of Poe’s daughters.
The women have drawn on information from NATSO and attended NATSO Connect 2023. “One of the biggest takeaways is that people are so open and willing to share information. Coming here to the conference and meeting other truckstop and travel plaza owners has been amazing. There is so much sharing and the connecting,” Poe said.
She plans to open a LEED-certified location that also focuses on drivers’ health and wellness. “We want to show the truckers that we appreciate what they do and what they bring to the country and the region as a whole,” Tiana said.
Walker plans to serve as the food service operations director and has been doing research on potential offerings. She plans to feature flavorful carbonated infusions and a mock bar and is working with a certified dietician to create a menu. “We are going to be doing a lot of soul food, American fusion, Mexican and Asian food,” she said, adding that the goal is to provide healthy and clean-eating options. “We’re not going to use any processed flours, oils or sugars. We’re going to have vegan, vegetarian and diabetic options.”
Poe is working with a small business advisor and reviewing land options and costs and hopes to open the location within the next few years.
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