Food At Truck Stops

I wish I knew more smaller places. Unfortunately, it is often times simply easier to stop at one of the major truck stops, so I am only talking about Pilot, Loves and TA. I understand that all three are big corporations, and because of this, just by default, you cannot expect to find good food. What is hard for me to understand though is why there are no small local businesses such as food trucks or food carts present at truck stops and rest areas? It is a very profitable business, so where is American famous spirit of entrepreneurship? Where is free market? It would be interesting to hear from those who have driven in the past, in the 60ies or 70ies - was there any good food available then?

I’m pretty sure if a food truck, food cart etc tried coming onto the property of a big name truck stop like a Loves or a TA they would run them off the property. Maybe not for a mom and pop. I thought I read somewhere that during the height of the pandemic food trucks were in fact going to rest areas to serve truckers but the state told them they weren’t allowed to do it. I can’t remember why though. It which state it was.

I had my first pilot lunch today. It was a steak cheeseburger..I thought it sounded good, so I grabbed one. Reminded me of the burgers they served in the cafeteria when I was in school.

As for why there are no mom and pop restaurants, it's incredibly difficult and exhausting running a small restaurant. It would be the last business I'd consider opening after "two weeks to flatten the curve".

The flying J fresh stuff is pretty decent. I will sometimes get their salads. Every once in a while Ill get a greek yogurt and fresh bananas if they have it. Maybe once every couple weeks, Ill grab their meatloaf dinner if its fresh, but afterwards I feel kinda greasy. Most of the time, I just have no interest in eating at em.

I mostly shut down at smaller older truck stops. They usually do have really good mom and pops restaurants. In fact, I would say better than 90 percent of my shut down places are independents. But I wouldnt say that food is the slightest bit healthy. Im blessed with a super high metabolism, so I can get away with it, but I seldom do, most of the time Im doing my own food on the truck for economical reasons.

There is a whole food court park next to the Love's in Albany Oregon

I have to confess even prior to the big truck I’m a fan of Love’s counter of fresh fruit, salads and the grilled chicken. My complaint is consistency across locations. The newer locations seem to be better setup with healthy options. I can’t seem to fuel without out a chicken sandwich:).

With so many drivers carrying refrigerators and microwaves, there seem to be lots of drivers who only want the free parking.

I’ve eaten some good BBQ at small places across from a few Loves and Pilots. The Tennessean (I-65, exit 22 I think) is decent.

Trying to run any small business is exponentially more difficult than it used to be. Liberty is a fragile commodity.

I avoid the “wheel of death”!

I agree. I never eat anything that has been sitting on a roller for hours.

I’m pretty sure if a food truck, food cart etc tried coming onto the property of a big name truck stop like a Loves or a TA they would run them off the property. Maybe not for a mom and pop. I thought I read somewhere that during the height of the pandemic food trucks were in fact going to rest areas to serve truckers but the state told them they weren’t allowed to do it. I can’t remember why though. It which state it was.

Gov. DeWine(r) here in Ohio, allowed them at all 86 Rest Areas. Pretty sure Indiana did, too. They were closed down/turned away when restaurants began opening up again.

~ Anne ~