The rise of travel centers is reshaping how people experience the road, turning quick stops into destinations with food, fuel and unique shopping all in one place. Travel centers have large, full-service facilities that are located along major highways that serve both commercial drivers and everyday travelers. Travel centers offer more than just fuel and a quick snack. These stops provide places to eat, rest and recharge, giving people everything they need in one convenient location. For families, commuters and long-haul truck drivers alike, travel centers turn a long trip into a smoother, less stressful experience.
Travel Centers with Truck Access
Truck-friendly travel centers are essential to keeping America’s supply chain moving. They give commercial drivers a safe and dependable place to refuel, rest and take care of everyday needs while on the road. With space for parking, access to meals, showers and even maintenance services, these centers make it easier for drivers to stay healthy, safe and within their federal hours-of-service rules. In many ways, travel centers are more than just a stop because they act as a necessary support system that helps ensure products and goods are delivered on time. Travel centers with truck access often include:
- Quick service/sit down restaurants
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Truck parking
- Pet walking areas
- Maintenance services
- Laundry facilities
- EV charging stations
Travel Centers without Truck Access
Some travel centers are designed specifically for everyday travelers. These locations may not allow 18-wheelers, but they still provide plenty of comfort and convenience for people on the go. Whether it is a family vacation, a long commute or just a quick stop to stretch your legs, these centers provide what travelers need along the way. They combine food, fuel and restrooms in one easy location. They make road trips less complicated by giving travelers the essentials they need at one stop. More travel centers are becoming destinations, offering experiences, unique merchandise and brand moments that turn a simple stop into a memorable part of the trip. Travel centers without truck access often include:
- Restaurants, In-store kitchens or food courts
- Many clean restrooms
- Fuel for vehicles
- Pet walking areas
- EV charging stations
- Convenience store essentials
- Industrial kitchens
Are Travel Centers the Future?
Shifting consumer trends are playing a major role in reshaping the future of travel centers. One of the most notable changes is the growing acceptance of purchasing meals and prepared food from gas stations and travel centers. This change has opened the door for travel centers to compete directly with quick service and fast-food restaurants.
Along with this change, demand for fresh, high-quality food is on the rise. This is driven by travelers who expect healthier, more appealing options while they are on the road. To stay competitive and capture this growing market, travel centers must evolve with their food offerings. Many travel centers have introduced innovative solutions to meet this demand such as ready-to-go meal kits, bundled food packages and upgraded kitchens that can produce freshly made menu items. These adaptations not only meet consumer expectations but also position travel centers as convenient, one-stop destinations for both fueling and quality dining.
High-traffic travel centers demand more from their equipment. Constant customer flow, longer operating hours and the need for constant performance puts more pressure on refrigeration systems to deliver every day, without issues. That’s why they rely on KPS Global®. We design and manufacture robust walk-in coolers, freezers and display coolers to stand up to the toughest and hardest conditions. Our solutions are engineered for durability, performance, efficiency and reliability.
How EV Charging Affects Travel Centers
Electric vehicle adoption has accelerated rapidly around the globe, which has created new opportunities for travel centers and convenience stores. The rise of EV charging has changed customer behavior, with stations reporting a 30 to 60 percent increase in the amount of time consumers spend at travel centers and c-stores due to electric vehicle charging. This extended dwelling time directly boosts in-store sales, as customers are more likely to purchase food, beverages and other items during their charge time.
EV chargers also offer operational advantages for the travel centers. EV chargers have fewer regulatory hurdles compared to fuel pumps, they can be installed quicker, require less physical space and are generally more cost-effective to set up. For travel centers, the combination of faster installation, lower footprint and increased revenue potential makes EV charging stations a strategic investment that supports both current market demands and the future of transportation.
C-Store Solution to EV Charging
To keep up with the electric vehicles growing market, KPS Global works with their customers to develop outdoor walk-ins that are positioned near the charging stations. The concept of RefreshRecharge™ is positioned to meet the rising demand for convenience at EV charging stations.
Custom display coolers are built for outdoor use and offers easy access to cold beverages and snacks right at the charger. RefreshRecharge can be fitted with lockable glass display doors controlled by employees for added security, along with an optional roll-up metal door that protects the cooler after hours. Rear-access doors make restocking simple and efficient. Optional gravity-fed shelves can be installed to keep products upright, front-facing and easy to refill.
RefreshRecharge is a smart solution that enhances the EV charging experience while driving additional revenue for travel centers and C-Stores.
Partner With KPS Global for Every Mile
Travel centers have large, full-service facilities that are located along major highways that serve both commercial drivers and everyday travelers. Travel centers offer more than just fuel and a quick snack. These stops provide places to eat, rest and recharge, giving people everything they need in one convenient location. For families, commuters and long-haul drivers alike, travel centers turn a long trip into a smoother, less stressful experience. To ensure your facilities are built with the same reliability, comfort and performance your travelers expect, partner with KPS Global. Contact us today to get started.
