TravelCenters of America recently accelerated its network expansion strategy by actively pursuing franchising opportunities.

"We believe there are significant opportunities for continued growth through franchising and in early 2020, we began rapidly increasing our engagement efforts and broadening our reach with potential franchisees,” said Jon Pertchik, CEO of TA.

Since 2019, TA signed 18 new franchise agreements under one of TA’s travel center brands, eight of which are either open or anticipated to open in the following cities:

• Kilgore, Texas

• Salina, Utah

• Wasco, Oregon

• West Point, Georgia

• Mt. Vernon, Texas

• Vermillion, South Dakota (anticipated June opening)

• Nacogdoches, Texas (anticipated June opening)

• Lake City, Florida (anticipated June opening)

TA expects an additional six will open by the end of the first quarter of 2021. Other cities TA expects to be part of its franchise expansion this year include Huntington, Oregon; Cookeville, Tennessee; Edgerton, Kansas; and South Houston, Texas.

In addition, TA is currently negotiating franchise agreements for 13 travel centers across states in the western and southern U.S. The company is also engaged in later stages of discussions with operators of another six locations, and has more than 80 other potential franchisees in the pipeline across states including California, Texas, Nevada, and Missouri.