Pilot Flying J recently acquired a travel center in Grand Forks, N.D., and will remodel the Pilot Travel Center to feature full amenities for professional drivers and the motoring public.

The 10,310-sq-ft travel center will feature four fuel islands and four diesel islands along with a restaurant and a wide variety of convenience items. Pilot Flying J plans to add four additional diesel islands and two RV fuel islands by the spring of 2012 after opening to the public.

In addition to diesel fuel, professional drivers will have access to such services as DEF and biodiesel at the pump, a CAT scale, laundry services, 10 automated showers and 141 parking spaces for trucks. The Grand Forks location also features a driver kiosk, so professional drivers can get in and out of the store quickly and be on their way.

"We hope that Grand Forks area residents and fleet customers will enjoy the convenience and amenities of our new Pilot Travel Center," said Jimmy Haslam, president and CEO of Pilot Flying J. "The travel center will serve this community through products and services as well as contribute to the local economy through jobs and tax revenue. And, we'll fill the needs of those carrying goods to communities across the nation."

The remodeled Grand Forks location will include a Subway restaurant; clean restrooms; pay phones; fax and copy services; Western Union; an ATM; lottery and Lotto tickets; an arcade; and general merchandise for professional drivers and highway travelers.

"We believe our familiar Pilot sign will be a welcome sight for interstate travelers and professional drivers. They'll want to pull off to fill up, refresh and sample some of our featured food items like Oscar Mayer hot dogs," said Chuck Robinson, general manager for the Grand Forks location. "Our premium hot beverages include gourmet specialty coffees from all over the world as well as Pilot's house coffee which was named the 'Best Coffee on the Interstate' by the readers of Truckers News. We also have a variety of fountain drinks, fresh brewed tea and cappuccino."

As with all other Pilot Flying J locations, the Grand Forks Pilot Travel Center honors the new Frequent Fueler Advantage card and continues to honor points accumulated on the Frequent Fueler, RV Real Value Card and Driver Payback cards. Pilot and Flying J merged last year, and both brands are still available on U.S. highways.

The travel center is located at 4401 S. 32nd Ave. at Exit 12 off Interstate 29, and the remodeling is expected to be complete for a grand opening in mid-January 2012.