Jubitz Celebrates 50 Years

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Much has changed over the past 50 years, just not at Jubitz.

The family-owned Jubitz Travel Center, located on the Oregon-Washington border, continues to run as a single stop in an era of multi-location franchises. But what began as a small truck leasing business in 1952 has grown into a major travel center known nationwide for its wide range of services to truckers and tourists alike.

Frequently rated among the top ten travel centers in the country, Jubitz was founded by Monroe "Moe" Jubitz and continues under the reins of Monroe's two sons.

The offering transcends traditional truckstop fare. In addition to 26 diesel and eight fueling pumps, Jubitz features a 100-room hotel, a full-service restaurant, a lounge hosting live country western music nightly, movie theater, gift shop, delicatessen, convenience store, barbershop/hair salon and Laundromat. For professional truck drivers, there's a tire sales and re-treading facility, business lounge, medical clinic, chiropractor and boot repair shop.

"The success and longevity of Jubitz can be traced to our dad's unending commitment to customer service," said Fred Jubitz, who began working at the truckstop washing trucks when he was 12 years old and now runs the operation with his brother, Al.

In an era of rapid consolidation, in which scores of mom-and-pops have shuttered due to increased operating costs and slimmer diesel margins, the family outfit is a remarkable footnote that has not gone unnoticed by the Jubitz family.

"Instead of expanding our business by opening new locations, we've chosen to expand and improve our services at a single location and create an extraordinary travel center," said Al Jubitz. "It's also been an incubator for many new products and services."

Two years ago, Jubitz completed a multi-million dollar renovation and expansion that doubled the capacity of its Portlander Inn. The family also added a banquet facility and additional seating to its Cascade Grill restaurant, erected a second dance floor to the Ponderosa Lounge, and created a retail mini mall where guests can purchase food, gifts and necessities or take in a first run movie. Known as Portlander Inn and Marketplace, the facility has become a favorite destination for local residents as well as for drivers.

"Fifty years from now I'm sure there will still be a need for places like Jubitz, where trucks and cars can refuel and drivers can refresh," Fred Jubitz said.
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