TravelCenters Looks to Buy Bankrupt Quaker Steak & Lube
TravelCenters of America has agreed to acquire the Quaker Steak & Lube casual-dining chain for $25 million, in a move that will see some of its existing full-service restaurants converted to the brand as well as expanding the number of stand-alone restaurants.

Photo: Quaker Steak & Lube

Photo: Quaker Steak & Lube
TravelCenters of America has agreed to acquire the Quaker Steak & Lube casual-dining chain for $25 million, in a move that will see some of its existing full-service restaurants converted to the brand as well as expanding the number of stand-alone restaurants.
Founded in 1974, Quaker Steak & Lube has over 50 locations, a majority of which are franchised, in 16 states. Concentrated in Pennsylvania and Ohio, they are known for wings and their automotive-themed decor.
Quaker Steak & Lube Monday began proceedings for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and simultaneously filed in court the asset purchase and $2 million debtor in possession financing agreements with TA.
TravelCenters says its expertise operating full-service restaurants nationally will help it build Quaker Steak & Lube into a nationally recognized brand and increase the profitability of its existing operations.
The travel center chain, which operates both TA and Petro brand truckstops, says the move will help expand TravelCenters’ customer base to include additional traffic from four wheel motorists and local markets and grow the profits at certain existing travel center restaurants.
“Quaker Steak & Lube®’s unique brand and award winning menu is a great fit for TA’s primary customers – professional truck drivers and highway motorists,” said TA CEO Tom O’Brien. "By converting some of our existing full service restaurants to the Quaker Steak & Lube brand, we will enhance the variety of food and hospitality options that our travel centers already provide to professional drivers at the same time that we expand the public awareness of the Quaker Steak & Lube brand."
The agreements are subject to bankruptcy court approval processes, which are expected to be completed in early 2016, and other conditions.
More Fleet Management

Why Private Fleets Are Taking More Freight
Private fleets are putting their own trucks on demanding customers and high-cost lanes as companies seek greater control over service, costs, and capacity.
Read More →
Color Match Smarter: Tools That Restore & Perform
For fleet managers and collision repair professionals keeping heavy-duty trucks on the road, getting the color right the first time isn't just about appearance — it's about efficiency, turnaround time, and bottom-line results. Discover how today's digital color tools are transforming the repair process from guesswork to precision.
Read More →
FMCSA Pauses Biennial-Update Enforcement Amid Motus Transition
Carriers whose updates were due on or after June 1 have more time, while FMCSA works to stabilize its new registration system and warns of phishing sites impersonating its new carrier registration system, Motus.
Read More →
2026 Blueprint for Countering Smarter Supply Chain Theft
Cargo theft is no longer just the cost of doing business. It's a multi-billion-dollar criminal enterprise exploiting vulnerabilities across your fleet, drivers, and supply chain.
Read More →
How Telematics Improves Visibility, Control, and Performance in Refrigerated Fleets
Explore how telematics help refrigerated fleets improve visibility, uptime, efficiency, compliance, and cargo protection across connected cold chain operations.
Read More →
What the U.S.-Canada Trade War Means for Trucking
Escalating U.S.-Canada tariffs could disrupt cross-border freight, reduce truck volumes, raise costs, and create new uncertainty for carriers on both sides of the border.
Read More →
What Are Trucking’s Top Concerns for 2026?
The American Transportation Research Institute wants to know what's worrying trucking fleet managers, drivers, and other stakeholders in its annual Industry Issues survey.
Read More →
American Trucking Associations Looks for a New Leader
ATA President and CEO Chris Spear abruptly left his job at the association on August 21, at a pivotal time for the trucking industry.
Read More →
Public Wi-Fi Cybersecurity Risks: How Truck Drivers and Fleets Can Protect Their Data
Public Wi-Fi can expose truck drivers and fleets to credential theft, malware, and other cyber threats. Here’s how to reduce the risk on the road.
Read More →
For Nicky Cupp, Fleet Innovation Starts With Frustration
HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Nicky Cupp turns everyday pain points at Fraley & Schilling into opportunities for better technology and smarter processes.
Read More →


