Dive Brief:
- TravelCenters of America has revealed plans to open 20 new locations this year, according to a Feb. 26 announcement. The travel center chain did not specify the markets for the new locations.
- It also announced plans to add 1,600 new truck parking spaces, upgrade its truck service mobile maintenance and emergency roadside assistance vehicles as well as enhance its store layouts, offer more benefits in its loyalty program and expand its BP Pulse electric vehicle charging network.
- These growth plans are the latest changes TA has undergone since being acquired by BP last year.
Dive Insight:
BP’s expansion plans for TA come just a few weeks after the oil major began rebranding many TA forecourt canopies to its own banner or the Amoco brand. Although it's unclear if all TA locations will be rebranded, those plans are expected to continue moving forward for many locations.
When BP acquired TA last year, the truck stop chain had around 290 locations in its network. The announcement of TA’s 2024 plans come as the company unveils its 300th location this week at a newly rebuilt site in Walton, Kentucky, about 17 miles south of downtown Cincinnati, Ohio.
"Celebrating this achievement is very exciting for both our team members and guests, and we are committed to continued growth and innovation to provide an outstanding experience for all travelers who visit us," Debi Boffa, CEO of TA, said in the announcement.
The 12,200-square-foot Walton travel center features dining options such as HWY Kitchen and KFC. In the forecourt, customers will find six diesel fueling positions, 12 BP gas positions, 60 truck parking spaces, 48 car parking spaces and a TA truck service center with four bays.
The Walton travel center is expected to bring 100 new jobs to the community, according to the announcement.
Westlake, Ohio-based TravelCenters of America is one of the largest truck stop companies in the U.S. with 300 locations across 44 states and territories. TA is owned by oil major BP, which also operates c-stores under the Thorntons, Amoco and Ampm banners.
