TravelCenters Fires Up Foodservice Category

WESTLAKE, Ohio — TravelCenters of America LLC, operator of the TA and Petro Stopping Centers travel center brands, is enhancing its foodservice offerings with new openings and plans for nationwide expansion.

After the TA Restaurant Group acquired Quaker Steak & Lube earlier in 2016, the company is looking to "supercharge" its franchise development efforts. It is currently seeking entrepreneurs interested in opening multiple restaurants in states such as Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

"Quaker Steak & Lube is a beloved American brand that has had a cult-like following from consumers for more than 40 years. We're thrilled to announce our efforts to find additional qualified franchisees to join us and our existing franchise network. We look forward to introducing the opportunity to multi-unit operators nationwide that are on the hunt for a fun, energetic brand to add to their portfolio," said John Ponczoch, senior vice president of TravelCenters of America's and leader of the TA Restaurant Group. "By utilizing the TA Restaurant Group's vast experience and its perspective as both a franchisor and multi-unit franchisee, Quaker Steak & Lube now has expanded operations and infrastructure that will ignite our ability to grow and offer an invaluable support system to both new and existing franchisees."

To kick off the brand's re-launch, Quaker Steak & Lube executives will be available to discuss franchise opportunities with interested prospective franchise owners at the Restaurant Finance & Development Conference in Las Vegas on Nov. 14-16 at booth #520. Candidates should have multi-unit ownership experience, preferably in the restaurant industry, at least $1 million in liquid assets and a minimum net worth of $3 million.

TravelCenters also recently opened its second Black Bear Diner restaurant in its network. The new full-service restaurant is located at the TA on I-15, Exit 178 (2930 Lenwood Road), in Barstow, Calif.

The Black Bear Diner concept offers home-style meals that reflect the brand's small-town roots, including comfort food classics such as chicken fried steak, corned beef hash and slow-cooked pot roast. It also offers a wide selection of dessert favorite such as apple crumb cobbler and chocolate cream pie.

All Black Bear Diner locations have a log cabin- and bear-themed atmosphere and are designed to remind guests that quality and service are key ingredients to every meal, the company said.

"We are excited to operate another Black Bear Diner in our network," Ponczoch said. "Black Bear Diner offers our guests the ultimate in quality comfort food served in a cozy and unique atmosphere where they can unwind, relax and enjoy their meal."

The addition of the Black Bear Diner compliments the existing Subway restaurant at TA Barstow.

TravelCenters of America operates in 43 states and Canada. The TA Restaurant Group includes more than 785 quick-service and full-service restaurants along with other food outlets.