Eating on the road
 

Hi drivers.... Hope everyone's staying safe out there on the road.

I've been out of trucking for about 4 years now and am looking for some current input as to eating while on the road. Recently I was talking to someone who passed my name along to a reporter who's writing an article, actually a series or articles, on "starting over in a new career" and trucking is on his list. As a former driver, we spoke and he'd like me to help author that one article.

So...

Shortly before I left the industry, there was some consolidation going on with the larger truck stop companies. I know that Flying J & Pilot merged. In that process I believe that Denny's was replacing many of the Flying Hook restaurants.

While I'm sure there are still plenty of independent restaurants to eat at - Johnson's Corner north of Denver was one I always stopped in when the chance arose, I'm wondering what others have to say on the matter.

So, could any of you drivers give me some current info on what a "new driver" might expect to find at most truck stops? Are Petro and TA still the main ones with sit down style restaurants? And, I already know there's good and bad with all the chains. I know the quality at the TA and Flying J was not always the best. I'm just looking for some current helpful info for an article I'll be helping to write.

Thank you kindly in advance for any input you can provide.

L

As far as restaurant chains are concerned, I favor Petro first with TA in second. I don't care for Denny's. It is my understanding that Denny's will be out of at least some of the Flying J's when their contract is up. Some Flying J's now have Huddle House as their primary restaurant. A few J's have Golden Coral, which is a step up. But, I prefer ordering from the menu. Restaurants have gone down in quality and up with their prices. Frankly, I think that TA and Petro are pricing themselves out of the market. I would like to see smaller quantities and lower prices. I still prefer the smaller truck stops that have restaurants. They are becoming a relic of the past. Food is usually better and less expensive than the chains. Sapp Brothers has a good restaurant in Pennsylvania. It is more like an independent with their offerings.

i cannot be of much help. i have a regular route, nights and am home in all of about 8 to 9 hours. when i do stop, and this is only if i miss the onsite fueling company, which is rare, i stop at a T/a. but it is to fuel grab maybe a couple of hot dogs, or cold sandwiches, then scram. the T/A i do stop at, still has it's own restaurant. i'd prefer "regular food" rather than the fast food some stops have. i think with payroll and taxes, this is why so many stops, went fast food.

I agree that many are pricing themselves out of the market. I have learned that I can go get a nice meal at someplace as nice as Olive Garden for the price of most truck stops. Even the fast food places are a few dollars higher than the same place down the street. I have even noticed many of the TA fast food places don't carry a value menu.
I almost always keep lunch meat for sandwiches. I also walk across the street as often as possible. This both saves money and is a little exercise. When I get a chance I will bobtail to a Olive Garden, Chedders, Chili's... What ever I can find that isn't overpriced truckstop food.
Currently I am on a diet ( lost 20 lbs last month) and am drinking GNC shakes twice a day and eating one healthy meal a day. This is saving a lot of money too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Petro and TA have decent menus but I generally pack a cooler, or more recently a fridge with food. Also, I pack some nonperishable foods, peanut butter, granola bars, etc. Truckstop prices are astrinomical. I guess they think we are rich

I would stay away from fried foods. And buffets.
In other words, just starve on healthy stuff like fruits, green veggies, lean meat! 👍

I know if you are hauling frozen pies, some of them are better, if you cook them first. :o

I usually throw them on the dash.... 😜

Hey! I wanna recommend you to check this link https://shopdaddy-studio.com/collections/menu-boards . Most importantly, the rates are very reasonable. So, for me, the shopdaddy is the best choice for buying leather menu covers, and I highly recommend it to other restaurant owners.

When I'm on the road, I always make sure to stop by HolidayStationstores for a quick snack or meal. They have a great selection of food and drinks, and their prices are reasonable. Plus, the convenience of being able to fill up my gas tank and grab a bite to eat all in one place can't be beat.