Back in Canada: Where are all the Truck Stops?

With no one waiting for us at home and no plans for Christmas Dinner, we decided to take our time driving this last leg of our trip. I read about the Heidelberg Project in Detroit a number of years ago, so we figured this could be a good time to check it out.

Heidelberg Project

Detroit, MI

The Heidelberg Project was started 25 years ago by artist and resident of this urban community, Tyree Guyton. This project is a testament to the power of art and creativity in changing and transforming lives and communities.

Heidelberg Project

Detroit, MI

I had seen photographs, but actually walking down the street the cacophony of color, texture, shape, form and objects was both remarkable and inspiring. This once forgotten neighbourhood was being transformed and brought back to life. I will post more images and information about the Heidelberg Project on my blog shortly.

Wind Turbines

Chatham County, ON

Since we crossed the border in record time, we decided to take another detour this time to check out the wind farms in Chatham County, ON. Phil is working on another research project looking at the health effects of wind turbines so we wanted to do some preliminary investigation in an attempt to comprehend the scale of these structures in relation to residential buildings and to get an idea of the noise level produced.

Wind Turbines

Chatham County, ON

I have to admit that there is something sculptural, a simplistic beauty about these massive white steel turbines silhouetted against the horizon. Of course, this may be easy for me to say as I do not live in the shadow of a wind farm.

M*market

ONroute Service Centre

Dutton, ON

After chasing wind turbines for a couple of hours we were back on the 401 heading home and looking for a truck stop to grab a snack and use the restroom. Unlike the U.S. interstates where there was no shortage of truck stops, finding one here seemed much more challenging. The truck stops we did see had inadequate signage, so we were past them before we knew it. We eventually stopped at one of the new ONroute Service Centres in Dutton, ON. These are not truck stops, but cater to the motoring traveler. In addition to a selection of fast food concessions the M*market offers a decent selection of fresh fruit, fruit and green salads, yogurt, sandwiches to go together with water, juice, milk, soft drinks and a better than usual selection of healthy and not so healthy snack foods.

Flying J

London, ON

As luck would have it, no sooner were we back on the highway when we saw a sign for Flying J. Needing gas we took the appropriate exit where we were taken on some service road before arriving at the Flying J in London, ON. I can not imagine this would be a popular route if you were driving a big rig with a full load.

Drivers Lounge

Flying J

London, ON

In fairness the signs at the front entrance informed us that this Flying J was under renovation to serve us better. The new driver lounge was to have 52" televisions, improved showers and other facilities. Probably a good thing as the current facilities leaned towards the purely functional.

Like the Flying J we visited in Ohio, this one had a newly reopened Denny's, minus the Value Menu and a fair bit more expensive based on the prices of the menu items we could remember.

Flying J

London, ON

The refrigerated cases had a good selection of non soft-drink options. We were surprised to see 1, 2 and 4 liter containers of milk in chocolate, skim and 2%, in addition to a variety of juices, bottled waters and coffee drinks. Despite being late on Christmas day, the fresh packaged sandwiches still looked fresh.

Flying J

London, ON

The grocery and snack aisles contained a good selection of granola, power and protein bars, wholegrain crackers and cereals, and even a selection of baked potato chips. Like the American version a deli counter and pizza counter were available for fast take-out meals.

Back on the road we discovered that you really needed to know where to stop as the few truck stops we saw were not well marked and seemed so small in comparison to the ones we saw in the United States. The 401 between Windsor and Toronto is supposed to be one of the busiest truck corridors in North America, so why are services for truck drivers so hard to find?

Christmas Morning at IHop: The Detroiter World Famous Truck Stop

World Famous Detroiter Truck Stop

Woodhaven, MI

It was cold when we arrived in Woodhaven, MI last night and it did not seem much warmer this morning. We were already missing the fabulous weather we had enjoyed in New Orleans. It is times like this that we question our decision to move back to Canada. I just really do not like winter all that much! However, here we were heading back home to Toronto.

World Famous Detroiter Truck Stop

Woodhaven, MI

When we pulled into our hotel last night we noticed the sign for the Sunoco / IHop / Detroiter Travel Center across the highway. We took advantage of the complimentary breakfast in our hotel, so were not interested in breakfast at IHop, but figured that this would probably be our last truck stop before entering Canada so wanted to check it out. It was Christmas morning about 9 AM so we expected the place to be dead. Boy, were we ever wrong. We could hardly find a parking space.

I have never really understood the appeal of IHop. Maybe it is just because I am not a big breakfast person, or because it is so easy to make pancakes and waffles at home, or .....? I used to pass by the IHop on College Ave in Fort Collins, CO everyday and was always amazed at how busy it was. So, I suppose we should not have been surprised to see so many people here, but it was Christmas morning and this was a truck stop / travel centre and although just outside of Detroit there did not appear to be much else around here.

IHop Parking Lot @ World Famous Detroiter Truck Stop

Woodhaven, MI

The interior was reminiscent of a late 1980's renovation of a 1970's mall with hints of a modernized retro diner. Skylights, marble, angled walls, beige floor tiles contrasted by black, white and neon. We did not go into the IHop, which was filled to capacity and looked very much like an IHop you would see anywhere.

We did, however, get sidetracked by the used book sale set up in the hallway, between the IHop and the General Store, and wrapping around the back of the store near the restrooms and trucker store / lounge area. At first I was just curious to see the types of books that were available. I ended up picking up Aristotle's Poetics, Germaine Greer's The Change, Susie Orbach's Fat is a Feminist Issue, Marilyn French's The War against Women, Naomi Wolf's Fire with Fire, Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale together with nine other titles one would not expect to find in a truck stop. In total I spent $26.

World Famous Detroiter Truck Stop

Woodhaven, MI

Of all the places we stopped along our route, in many ways this was the most odd. It had a slightly corporate feel, as although it was Christmas morning there were a number of "management types" wandering around and going in and out of the offices in the back. The physical space was divided into maze-like areas that had distinctly different feels. Although overall the Detroiter was fairly large, it felt convoluted and small.

World Famous Detroiter Truck Stop

Woodhaven, MI

Along the back corner of one of these areas were the refrigerated cases containing soft drinks, juice, dairy products such as milk and cheese, and frozen food. The white, black and red tiles with the neon signage gave it a distinctive retro diner feel which did not mesh with the rest of the interior.

World Famous Detroiter Truck Stop

Woodhaven, MI

The General Store looked much like many touristy travel centers with abundant postcards, posters, t-shirts, trinkets, toys, hats and junk food.

World Famous Detroiter Truck Stop

Woodhaven, MI

The area immediately adjacent to the professional drivers store offered a mix of convenience, deli and food items.

World Famous Detroiter Truck Stop

Woodhaven, MI

Although we did see trucks fueling up and parked in the adjacent parking lot, we were wondering if this really could be considered a truck stop as it seemed geared more to the general motorist than to the needs of truckers?

World Famous Detroiter Truck Stop

Woodhaven, MI

However, as we continued to explore we realized that despite the disjointed interior design and organization, the Detroiter really had carved out a niche, where they were attempting and for all appearances were managing to be a one-stop shop that could be all things to a variety of different people. After all - didn't I just purchase an armload of feminist books?

World Famous Detroiter Truck Stop

Woodhaven, MI

We had seen the occasional rack of free publications aimed at truck drivers along our route, however, the Detroiter had by far the best assortment of titles. The majority were really just enhanced glossy employment / recruiting brochures, however, a few had more expanded editorial content. One thing we had noticed was a lack of magazines, newspapers or reading material available in most of the truck stops we had visited. We wondered do these drivers do all their reading online, or do they stock up on reading material before they leave home? We had noticed a number of drivers reading while eating - so they are getting their reading material from somewhere, just obviously not at the truck stops we visited.

Professional Drivers Store

World Famous Detroiter Truck Stop

Woodhaven, MI

As we made our way to the other side of the building we found the section that catered to professional truck drivers. This area was smaller, functional but felt a little dingy and a bit cramped. However, they had a reasonable selection of canned and packaged grocery items, together with snacks, dog food, treats and toys, and other products of interest to drivers.

Drivers Lounge

World Famous Detroiter Truck Stop

Woodhaven, MI

I mentioned to the clerk that I had noticed that a number of the truck stops had dog food, treats and toys and he told me that a number of drivers travel with their dogs. I cringed at his mention of "purse-sized dogs" as we had our own "totebag-sized dog" waiting for us in the car. He commented that he could see the benefits of traveling with a large dog for protection and security, but you could tell he was not quite buying the companionship and portability concept of traveling with a small or tiny dog.

I have to admit that I had not given much thought to the need for extra security when traveling with a load of valuable cargo. How most of these drivers are traveling alone, responsible for ensuring that the load they are carrying makes it safely from point A to point B and that like with everything, there are individuals and / or organizations that would love to get their hands on whatever it is that is in those trucks. I was thinking that traveling with a pet was more for companionship and an added incentive to get out and go for a walk. My guess is that for most drivers traveling with their dogs, it is a bit of both.

While I was busy talking to the clerk, Phil wandered around exploring the truckers lounge areas. Like most, this one was dark and housed a pool table, arcade games, photocopiers, and a piano. In addition to private showers, a video / TV room, laundromat, barber and massage therapist, motel rooms were also available.

Game Room

World Famous Detroiter Truck Stop

Woodhaven, MI

What makes a good truck stop? What is it that truck drivers need and want? I would think that I would value a place that is clean, comfortable, safe and nicely but not necessarily brightly lit. I would want friendly and helpful staff. A place where I could relax, chat with other drivers if I felt like it, or find a quiet corner to just sit by myself. I would want a good affordable fresh food as well convenient ready to heat meals. Why do we have aisles of frozen single and family serving sized ready-to-heat meals in every grocery store, but here where they are really needed they are almost impossible to find?

I wondered why all these trucker's lounges and areas feel like an afterthought, a place that has been lost in a time-warp? Why they do not have nice comfortable seating, decent lighting, a microwave, a book and DVD lending library, and a table with chairs where one could eat lunch, set up their laptop, or work on paperwork. I understand why drivers need a place that is separate from the traveling public, a place that is theirs, but why does it always seem to have to look so old, dingy and rundown?

Love's and Arby's on I75

We decided to stop in Woodhaven, MI for the night sneaking Pookie into a non-dog friendly Holiday Inn Express. We know we shouldn't be doing this, but he has been such a quiet good little dog, is clean and does not shed. And as it is well past midnight and we will be up early, he will be in the room for less than seven hours.

Love's Travel Stop

N. Baltimore, OH

In our attempt to stay awake for our late night drive we stopped at a Love's Travel Stop in N. Baltimore, OH at 11:29 PM. Although the fruit salads looked particularly tempting, I will fess up admitting that we did not buy fruit or anything healthy, instead we purchased a bag of Kettle Chips and a 20 oz Pepsi Max!

Love's Travel Stop

N. Baltimore, OH

Love's felt a bit more rustic than the Pilot or Flying J that we visited earlier today, however, we were both impressed by the selection of fresh fruit they still had available at midnight on a holiday weekend.

Love's Travel Stop

N. Baltimore, OH

In addition to the containers of fruit salad, they had baskets full of bananas, apples and oranges placed next to the coffee and hotdog bars.

Love's Travel Stop

N. Baltimore, OH

The refrigerated cases were filled with juice, plain and flavored bottled water, milk, fresh sandwiches, cheese, and other healthier food items in addition to the usual soft drink selections.

Love's Travel Stop

N. Baltimore, OH

Unlike many of the truck stops we had visited, Love's actually offered juice and water specials such as 2 Snapple for $2. We were growing accustomed to truck stops seeming to gouge their captive audience selling 12 bottled waters for $6.99 or a case of 12 cans of Coke or Pepsi for $7.99.

Love's Travel Stop

N. Baltimore, OH

Love's Travel Stop

N. Baltimore, OH

Catering to long-haul truck drivers Love's carried a decent selection of portable stoves, coffee makers, and refrigerators as well as a host of other supplies and accessories for professional drivers.

Love's Travel Stop

N. Baltimore, OH

Love's Travel Stop

N. Baltimore, OH

A further nod to their truck driving clientele was this extensive front counter display of energy shots and cigarette lighters.

Love's Travel Stop

N. Baltimore, OH

Overhead signage continued to promote a move towards healthier eating options with BOGO deals on granola bars, water and beef sticks.

Love's Travel Stop

N. Baltimore, OH

But we were not quite sure what to make of the Smoke 51 Starter Kit smoking device.

Love's Travel Stop

N. Baltimore, OH

It was late and we wanted to get back on the road, so we did not do more than pop our heads inside the onsite Arby's which looked like a typical fast food concession. The Pick 5 Promotion featured sandwich melts, curly fries, turnovers, stuffed potato cakes and shakes; however, the regular menu offered Chopped Farmhouse Salads with either crispy or roast chicken, or turkey and ham; Market Fresh Sandwiches on honey wheat bread; Toasted Subs; and their classic Roast Beef Sandwiches.

Arby's / Love's Travel Stop

N. Baltimore, OH

Another Grilled Chicken Salad?: Flying J and Denny's

Although the sky was looking ominous we had so far managed to escape any real snow. However, the weather reports they were still predicting heavy snow so we decided to drive as far as we could while we still had light, waiting until after dark before we stopped for dinner.

Flying J Convenience Store

Beaverdam, OH

I remembered stopping at the giant Flying J stations when traveling out west. I recall the Country Market Restaurant and Buffet as being a regular presence and popular stop for truck drivers at most of those Flying J's so was somewhat surprised to see their current affiliation with Denny's. I don't think I have been to Denny's since high school, when in the pre-Starbucks era it was one of the only places to go with friends after a movie or concert.

Flying J Convenience Store

Beaverdam, OH

Flying J merged with Pilot in June 2010. According to the website, this gives them a combined 550 Interstate travel centers and plazas across the United States and Canada catering to both motorists and professional drivers. It was almost 8 PM, and with the exception of a few snow flurries just south of Cincinnati we had still managed to escape the predicted storm, so we decided to stop at the Flying J in Beaverdam, OH.

Flying J Convenience Store

Beaverdam, OH

Like the Pilot we visited earlier today, the convenience store was bright, clean, organized and stocked with a good selection of both healthier options and typical snacks. Fresh fruit, although limited to apples and bananas at this time of the day, was displayed in baskets. The coffee, hot oatmeal and tea bar were identical to the one at Pilot. The refrigerated cases were almost equally divided between those that stocked milk, juice, and water as those with soft drinks and energy drinks. An entire case was devoted to sandwiches, sliced lunch meets, cheese and other food items.

Flying J Convenience Store

Beaverdam, OH

A feature we had not noticed at many other truck stops was the Hot Fresh Food & Convenience counter at the front of the store. In addition to both whole and sliced pizza there was a selection of hot food items such as chicken, burritos, sausages and other items as well as refrigerated fresh sandwiches.

Flying J Convenience Store

Beaverdam, OH

The fresh pizza's, although lacking in variety and any apparent vegetables looked similar to what you would find at any take-out pizza chain.

Human Trafficking Poster

US Department of Health & Human Services

Flying J Convenience Store

Beaverdam, OH

Although you hear a lot about prostitution at or around truck stops, we did not see any signs of this, although I was conscious of feeling watched on occasion by male management staff when I was wandering around a few of the truck stop convenience stores. I saw this awareness poster regarding human trafficking in the women's washroom, which made me think about this very real but hidden problem.

While prostitution and human trafficking may be an almost invisible part of life on the road as seen through the eyes of a motorist, the use of energy shots was promoted everywhere. From posters such as this, to prominent displays and specials in the truck stops, it would appear that energy shots are a common part of life on the road.

Flying J

Beaverdam, OH

As we were now hungry, we decided to give Denny's a try. I have to admit that I was not expecting much. As we approached the hostess station, we overheard a trucker asking what happened to the Country Market Buffet? He did not appear to be happy with the change in environment, food choices or prices. His sentiments seem to be shared by other drivers as evidenced by a post on Life on the Road - Trucking News Blog.

Denny's had a varied menu and promoted their $2, $4, $6, and $8 Value Meals prominently with banner signage at the front entrance as well as through their menu insert. The Value Meal offerings included such choices as a Cheese Quesadilla, or Biscuit and Gravy with Hash browns or an Egg for $2; Fried Cheese Melt, Buffalo Chicken Wings, or All You Can Eat Pancakes for $4; a Nacho Salad, Pulled Barbeque Chicken Sandwich, or Classic Burger for $6; and a Bacon Chipotle Chicken Skillet, Fried Shrimp Platter, or Spicy Cowboy Chopped Steak for $8.

While most of the Value Meal items were high in fat and calories, the main menu had a small selection of "Fit Fare" choices all with less than 15 grams of fat, including a Veggie Burger for $7.99, Lemon Pepper Grilled Tilapia for $10.59, Sweet & Tangy Barbeque Chicken for $8.99, and Chicken Deluxe Salad for $8.49. In addition to French Fries, Coleslaw, Hash Browns, Onion Rings and other typical side dishes they offered Tomato Slices, Red-skinned Potatoes, Sauteed Spinach, Dippable Veggies and Green Beans.

Deluxe Chicken Salad

Denny's / Flying J

Beaverdam, OH

Denny's provides nutritional information on their website, however, interestingly they do not promote their Fit Fare menu anywhere on the site. I ordered the Deluxe Chicken Salad with the grilled chicken and lemon wedges instead of salad dressing. The menu illustration depicted a Crispy Chicken Salad, however, to meet the Fit Fare guidelines of less than 15 grams of fat one would need to order the grilled chicken, fat free dressing and skip the bread.

Sweet & Tangy Barbeque Chicken

Denny's / Flying J

Beaverdam, OH

Phil ordered the Sweet & Tangy Barbeque Chicken. The menu illustration shows a close-up of a a large plump chicken breast with fiesta corn and mashed potatoes. The meet the Fit Fare guidelines the menu states you need to skip the bread that automatically comes with the meal and order the tomato slices and corn.

Both our meals were nicely prepared, the salad and vegetables were fresh and the generous serving of chicken moist and nicely flavoured. My salad rated among one of the better salads I had experienced on our trip and overall our meals were competitive with quality and price one would expect in a corporate chain family restaurant.

While we noticed a few truckers in the restaurant, most of the other diners appeared to be locals on the way home from Christmas Eve church service. After a couple of days on the road, I am starting to see why restaurants like Denny's may not appeal to truck drivers. Denny's felt like a chain restaurant, friendly and functional, but lacking the sense of comfort and familiarity we witnessed in the more traditional truck stop restaurants. No one called us Hon, Sugar, Sweety, or Dear. The waitress did not ask us our names and use them each time she stopped by our table. She did not ask us where we were from or where we were going. Prices were affordable and the menu varied, but there was no buffet or salad bar option allowing for a quick and hearty meal. And our booth kept us separated from adjoining tables, preventing any casual communication with other lone diners.

We were starting to appreciate that truck stops were not just about food and gas and a place with a few services; these spaces needed to function as a temporary and somewhat familiar home. A place where truckers could have their own space even if just for a few minutes, or an hour or two. It was a place to relax, to chat, to hang out, and refuel. We could see that places like Denny's or Wendy's or any of the corporate chains are not going to easily fulfill these needs in their current configuration or standard business model. And from our limited insider / outsider vantage point it is the truck drivers that are going to lose.

So Little Time, So Many Truck Stops

We are trying to make it home to Toronto before the "BIG" Christmas blizzard they have been predicting all week hits. Our goal is to make it somewhere between Cincinnati and Detroit tonight, however, if the forecast is correct we should hit snow flurries around Cincinnati. The weather reports on the news this morning claimed it is already snowing in Chicago and it was much colder when we left Birmingham this morning than when we passed through a week ago. So our dilemma of the day is how do we make good time and still take time to check out truck stops?

Shady Lawn Truck Stop

Elkton, TN

I65

There are no shortage of truck stops on I65, however, we decided that today we were going to keep driving until we a) needed gas, or b) needed to eat. So we passed by Exit 6 - TN and did not check out either the Shady Lawn Truck Stop or Big Jim's Boobie Bungalow which advertised both truck parking and daily food specials. Big Jim's obviously finds that billboard marketing pays off, as this was not the only Big Jim's sign we spotted, however, it was the only one that shared air space with a billboard that read "Righeousness Exaultheth A Nation: But Sin Is A Reproach To Any People THE BLOOD OF JESUS .... CLEANSETH US FROM ALL SIN" Is it just pure coincidence that these two billboards were placed together?

Big Jim's Boobie Bungalow

Elkton, TN

I65

The truck stops on this stretch of I65 through Tennessee appear to specialize in Home Cookin' and Country Stores. However, after our Magnolia Restaurant experience last night, we were not yet ready for any Southern "home cooking" so early in the day.

TA Billboard

Franklin, TN

Exit 61 - I65

We passed by this TA at Exit 61 near Franklin, TN advertising the Fork in the Road Restaurant, as we had already tried one of the TravelCenters of America restaurants in Louisiana. Instead we decided that if we were going to stop at a corporate truck stop it had to be a Love's, Pilot or Flying J. Three of the corporate truck stop chains we had not yet visited.

Pilot / Wendy's

Franklin, KY

Exit 6 - I65

As it approached lunch-time we decided we were going to stop at the first Pilot we came across. The clear skies we had left in Birmingham that morning had now turned to heavy clouds and there was a definite chill and the odd snow flurry in the air. We decided to follow the trucks pulling off I65 at Exit 6 in Franklin, KY and discovered not one, but two Pilot stations across the road from one another. The majority of trucks were headed to the Pilot with the attached Wendy's Restaurant, so we followed their lead ignoring the Pilot / Subway across the street.

Truck Parking

Pilot / Wendy's

Exit 6 - I65

Franklin, KY

In comparing the facilities of the two Pilot Truck Stops, our guess is that it is the facilities provided that influence choice of stop as much or more than the food choices. This Pilot / Wendy's stop had 80 truck parking spaces, 9 showers, laundry facilities, a truck wash, game room, 10 diesel lanes, 2 ATM's, check cashing, P.O Boxes, and miscellaneous other services. The Pilot / Subway across the street had more parking spaces, but fewer showers, no laundry or truck wash, fewer diesel lanes, no postal boxes and fewer other services.

Pilot Convenience Store

Exit 6 - I65

Franklin, KY

Inside, the Pilot Convenience Store was clean, bright and well-organized. The coffee bar and take-out food section had in addition to the typical hotdogs and packaged sandwiches, a selection of fresh baked goods, fresh fruit and yogurt parfaits....

Pilot Convenience Store

Exit 6 - I65

Franklin, KY

a self-serve milkshake stand, ....

Pilot Convenience Store

Exit 6 - I65

Franklin, KY

and a selection of teas, extensive gourmet coffee and oatmeal.

Pilot Convenience Store

Exit 6 - I65

Franklin, KY

Unlike many of the truck stops which promoted their high fat and calorie rich snacks, the November / December Specials posters featured competitively priced Vitamin Water, and 49 cent bottled water with any coffee purchase.

Pilot Convenience Store

Exit 6 - I65

Franklin, KY

The truck accessories area contained a good selection of truck cab coffee makers, sandwich grills, toaster ovens, crock pots and other cooking devices.

Pilot Convenience Store

Exit 6 - I65

Franklin, KY

The drivers lounge and game room was dark and felt somewhat depressing with dated arcade games, however, a large Affordable Health Benefits poster hung from the ceiling.

Pilot Convenience Store

Exit 6 - I65

Franklin, KY

Wanting lunch, we headed into the on-site Wendy's to see how fast food restaurants compare to the dining rooms found at the majority of the truck stops we had visited. One of my pet peeves when it comes to fast food is that the healthy options are almost always more expensive than when compared to ordering one of the value meals. So, we were pleasantly surprised to see this large banner prominently displayed. A complete salad meal for $4.99. Granted it was their mid-sized salad, not the large dinner salad, but it was a step in the right direction, and we both decided to give it a try.

Wendy's / Pilot

Exit 6 - I65

Franklin, KY

Wanting to order different salads and combinations, Phil opted for the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad with a small Chili. He requested a low or fat-free salad dressing and while there was no low-fat Caesar, he was offered a Pomegranate Vinaigrette. At 60 calories for a generous serving and 3 grams of fat, it did not claim to be a low fat dressing, but was still a better option than a creamy Caesar or other high fat dressing.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad & Chili

Wendy's / Pilot

Exit 6 - I65

Franklin, KY

I ordered the Spicy Crispy Chicken Caesar with lemon wedges instead of dressing and was thrilled when I received a small drink cup with four large juicy lemon wedges. The salads were fresh, crisp, and tasty with fresh cherry tomatoes and mozzarella strips. While more than adequate for our lunch needs, it would probably fall short for someone interested in a large filling meal. It was difficult to admit, but this was probably the best salad we had tried so far.

Spicy Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad with Lemon Wedges

Wendy's / Pilot

Exit 6 - I65

Franklin, KY

Rather than having their own restaurant dining room, Pilot has moved towards partnering with affiliate chains. While their website claims that this is to offer a a variety of dining options to suit most everyone's appetite, it is also a decision that no doubt makes financial sense. Pilot affiliates include: Arby's, Chester's Chicken, Dairy Queen LTD, Denny's, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Subway, Taco Bell, TJ Cinnamons and Wendy's.

Having observed the interactions and habits of drivers during our trip we questioned whether this move towards fast food affiliates adequately serves the needs of truck drivers? Truck stops seem to be more than a place to fill your gas tank and stomach, wash your clothes and truck and stock up on supplies, as the Pilot website suggests and we witnessed to some extent, a truck stop is a drivers' "home away from home." The variety of fast food restaurants provides drivers with a number of different options, but what is lacking is the comfort, friendliness and personal interaction that they get in the "Mom and Pop" restaurants, or even the truck stop dining rooms.