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