Established
1975
Franchise Units
60
Minimum Investment
$10,000,000
Franchise Fee
$50,000
Total Investment Range
$30,000,000
Home Based
No
Description
Petro Stopping Centers is one of the most established and recognizable names in the American travel center and truck stop industry. For decades, the brand has served long-haul truck drivers, fleet operators, logistics companies, and everyday highway travelers through large-format travel centers located along major interstate corridors. Petro is known for its expansive sites, high-capacity fueling systems, full-service dining options, convenience retail, truck maintenance facilities, and driver-focused amenities.
Unlike small roadside fuel stations, Petro locations are designed as destination travel centers—offering reliability, scale, and consistency that professional drivers depend on. This essential-service positioning gives the brand a powerful advantage, as demand is driven by freight movement and logistics activity rather than discretionary consumer spending. As e-commerce, supply chain expansion, and interstate freight continue to grow across the United States, Petro Stopping Centers remains deeply embedded in the backbone of the national transportation economy.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in Petro Stopping Centers means participating in a business model that benefits from constant, year-round demand tied directly to the U.S. logistics and transportation industry.
Key reasons investors choose Petro include:
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Essential, recession-resistant business tied to freight and logistics
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High-volume locations positioned on major interstate highways
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Multiple revenue streams under one location, reducing risk
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Strong brand recognition among professional drivers and fleets
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Large real-estate footprints that support long-term asset value
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Proven operating systems refined over decades
Background
Established Year: 1975
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Founders: James Haslam II
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Industry Category: Travel Centers & Truck Stops / Highway Services
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Franchise Active Units: 60+ large-format locations across the United States
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Ownership: Part of the TravelCenters of America network
Brand Journey & History
Petro Stopping Centers was founded in 1975 with a mission to redefine the traditional truck stop. At a time when most truck stops offered limited fuel and basic services, Petro introduced a more comprehensive model—combining fueling, sit-down restaurants, driver lounges, showers, maintenance bays, and large-scale parking in one location.
Over the years, the brand expanded strategically along major freight routes and interstate highways, becoming a preferred stop for long-haul drivers and fleet operators. Petro’s focus on scale, cleanliness, and driver comfort helped it stand out in a competitive industry and build long-term loyalty among professional drivers.
Support Training
Petro Stopping Centers offers extensive support designed for complex, multi-department travel center operations.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site evaluation and location feasibility analysis
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Guidance on zoning, traffic flow, and highway access
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Facility layout planning and infrastructure design assistance
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Support with permits, compliance, and regulatory requirements
Operational Training
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Comprehensive training covering fuel operations, food service, retail, and maintenance
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Safety, environmental compliance, and operational best practices
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Workforce planning, hiring, and staff training systems
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Inventory management, vendor sourcing, and logistics coordination
Marketing & Brand Support
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National brand marketing and highway visibility programs
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Fleet and driver loyalty initiatives
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Promotional strategies tailored to commercial drivers and travelers
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Consistent signage, branding, and customer experience standards
Ongoing Support
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Continuous operational consulting and performance reviews
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Benchmarking against system-wide metrics
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Technology systems for fuel management, POS, and reporting
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Ongoing upgrades to amenities and operational processes
Ideal Candidate
Petro Stopping Centers is best suited for experienced investors and operators with strong financial capacity and operational expertise.
Ideal franchisees typically include:
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Multi-unit franchise owners or large-scale retail operators
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Investors with backgrounds in fuel, logistics, hospitality, or real estate
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Development groups with access to highway-adjacent land
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Operators comfortable managing large teams and complex facilities
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Investors focused on long-term growth and asset appreciation
Location & Investment Preferences
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High-traffic interstate highways and freight corridors
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Large parcels suitable for full-scale travel center development
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Willingness to commit to longer development and ramp-up timelines
This opportunity is not designed for first-time franchise owners, but rather for well-capitalized groups seeking a cornerstone business.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Amount / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $10 million – $30+ million |
| Minimum Investment Required | $10 million |
| Franchise Fee | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Land Acquisition / Lease | Varies by location |
| Site Development & Construction | $7 million – $20 million |
| Fuel Systems & Equipment | $1.5 million – $4 million |
| Building, Fixtures & Interior Fit-Out | $1 million – $3 million |
| Technology & POS Systems | $150,000 – $400,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $300,000 – $800,000 |
| Pre-Opening Expenses | $200,000 – $500,000 |
| Marketing & Grand Opening Budget | $100,000 – $300,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $1 million – $3 million |
| Royalty Fee | 3% – 5% of gross revenue |
| National Advertising Fee | 1% – 2% of gross revenue |
| Estimated Annual Revenue Potential | $15 million – $40+ million |
| Expected ROI | Long-term, volume-driven returns |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 5 – 8 years |