10-4 Magazine October 2023

10-4 Magazine / October 2023 77 like it was back in the day. Talking about iconic old truck stops, a few that came up included The Boise Stage Stop in Boise, ID, Tucson Truck Terminal (TTT) in Tucson, AZ, and Jubitz Truck Stop in Portland, OR. Their vision was to build something that would become iconic in its own right and stand the test of time like these places have. Drawing from the area, it was decided an obelisk was going to be the calling card of the new location. At 66 feet tall, the mere size and uniqueness of it makes a huge statement. There are more than 30 destinations, pointing in all four directions, engraved on the sides of the obelisk. There is also an exact 10-foot tall granite replica of the obelisk at the entrance of the travel center. There is also an Ozark Trail historical sign set in the green space near the obelisk. The main focuses of the new truck stop are cleanliness, spaciousness, and friendliness – they want it to be a home away from home for their customers. Years ago, truck stops offered full service where they would pump your fuel, check the oil, and wash your windows. At the Ozarks Travel Center, you can see Brent and his son Eric out there helping fuel trucks and washing windows! There are two entrances – the back one is for truckers, complete with all the amenities, and the front is for the 4-wheelers, with all the amenities for them, including 52 fueling pumps and a nice gift shop. There is a big smoker with fresh smoked meats locally sourced every day, and a nice sit-down area to enjoy your meal. The smell is divine and will absolutely draw you in! There is also a state-of-the-art 3-bay maintenance shop, which includes a lounge area with a big screen TV and theater seating for the drivers to relax in while they get work done on their truck or trailer. The showers are enormous, and definitely designed for the driver’s comfort. Brent’s sons, Eric and Kyle, and Greg’s son, Chase, like their fathers, grew up in the business and are the 4th generation, and their children make a high probability for a 5th generation to come to work in the family business, as well, eventually. When was the last time you read or heard about a 5th generation truck stop business! It truly is amazing, and a testimony as to how awesome this family is to be able keep things going (and growing) for over 70 years. What are the odds that while I was sitting at a table in the 83 Diner in York, PA, working on this story, and I look up and see the back of an Ozarks Travel Center t-shirt walking away from me? I went over to the gentleman, who I later found out was named Terry Raper, and told him about the story I was working on. He was kind enough to chat a little (and let me take a picture), telling me that he had seen Brent fueling trucks, so he went inside and bought the shirt. If you are running down I-44 in Missouri, stop in at exit 46 and check out the Ozarks Travel Center. Be sure to tell Brent “hello” and enjoy some old-time hospitality at this oasis for truckers on the Ozarks Trail. Take some pictures of the obelisk and let yourself go back in time while you enjoy some great BBQ. I guarantee you will not regret stopping, and will stop again often. n