Topics: Truckstop Travels

From Oysters to Truckstops: A Conversation with James Bloodworth, General Manager of Acme Truck Stop

During the NATSO Show I had the opportunity to talk with James Bloodworth, general manager of Acme Truck Stop in Orlando, FL, about what inspires him in his work as a general manager. More

White's 2.0: Destination Station

The Berkstresser's recently completed their second remodel of White's Travel Center and this one is somehow more impressive than the first. Under the Berkstresser's direction, White's evolved into a true family establishment and a home away from home for many. The latest incarnation, White's 2.0 as I call it, not only strengthens that sense of home, but also provides the opportunity to bring a little bit of your travels home thanks to some retail innovation, which I was fortunate enough to witness at their Grand Opening celebration for their expansion -- aptly named Destination Station. More

Truckstop Travels: Simple Elegance Welcomes Customers at the Petro Fargo

I always enjoy visiting Petro Stopping Center #61 in Fargo, North Dakota, it reminds me of what is good about our industry and how focused operators can create a positive shopping experience for drivers of all types. More

Truckstop Travels: Shoemaker’s Travel Plaza Greets Customers with Nostalgic Excellence

Walking into Shoemaker’s Travel Plaza in Lincoln, Nebraska, is certain to take you back to a time when fuel pumping equipment were a thing of beauty. At the location you’re greeted with an amazing collection of gasoline and diesel pumps along with a vast amount of other types of fuel industry memorabilia. More

How Sapp Bros. is Excelling in Customer Service

During our travels to independent operators, Lisa Mullings, NATSO’s CEO, and I were fortunate to spend a couple of quality days with Sapp Bros. If we are noticing a trend in most of the locations we visit, including those travel center locations in Chile where NATSO travel center members enjoyed firsthand insight into COPEC’s operational excellence, rest rooms are king, and Sapp Bros. does not disappoint, specifically in Nebraska City. More

Focus on the Warm Winter Feeling, Not Just the Products

It was great to see operators like Stamart #5 preparing for the winter that will soon be upon us. The location had all the warm-you-up products for you and your truck, such as blankets, gloves, Howe’s, Power Service, ice alert thermometers, heaters, windshield wash and the like. More

Operational Lessons from Chile: Elevating the Ordinary to Extraordinary

NATSO Chairman Tom Heinz is fond of saying, “It is the ordinary things done extraordinarily well.” If you were to use any phrase to describe COPEC, a Chilean energy company with a chain of fueling stations throughout Chile, that is it. During our most recent international study tour, we were treated to an amazing inside look at the premier fuel, food and retail operator in Chile, and I am not be exaggerating when I say it is one of the best in the world. NATSO and NATSO members had an awareness that topped anything that most of us have experienced recently. More

Pine Cone Travel Plaza's Sweet Tooth Heaven

NATSO’s President & CEO Lisa Mullings and I had the fortunate tasty treat opportunity to visit Pine Cone Travel Plaza earlier this year to learn about their operations and NATSO needs. More

Truckstop Travels: Yellow Rose Travel Plaza Mops Up

Just 30 miles from College Station, Texas, home of Johnny Football’s alma mater Texas A & M University, you will find Yellow Rose Travel Plaza. More

Gateway Travel Plaza Honors Drivers

This summer Gateway Travel Plaza in Breezewood, Pennsylvania, held a two-day event to honor drivers, and I attended to learn more about the location, talk with drivers and share information on NATSO’s Checklink. More

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