You can’t run on the East Coast or in the Great Lakes region without having at least seen a Quaker Steak & Lube restaurant, but recently the casual dining chain has hit some financial troubles and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Now, in a move that it says will “enhance the variety of food and hospitality options” at their locations, TravelCenters of America has made an offer to purchase Quaker Steak & Lube.
Though it has over 50 locations clustered mostly around its original location in Sharon, Pennsylvania right next to the Ohio border, “The Lube” as it’s known was in dire financial straits and was being sued by Wells Fargo for failing to pay back loans totaling $4.14 million.
According to a press release from the CEO of Quaker Steak, there aren’t any restaurant closures planned. “We do not expect to close any restaurants,” he said. “It will be business-as-usual at The Lube while TA works to establish us as a nationally recognized brand.”
And it looks like TA will indeed be looking to push the brand beyond its current borders. According to TA’s CEO, Tom O’Brien, the company is planning an “aggressive expansion effort” that will include converting current TA locations to the Quaker Steak brand, building new locations, and opening additional franchise locations.
“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 O’Brien in a statement. “We’re confident that our existing foodservice operations will provide TA the tools it needs to make Quaker Steak & Lube a nationally recognized restaurant brand.”
The purchase offer came immediately after the bankruptcy announcement from Quaker Steak and had a price tag of $25 million. The offer still needs to be approved by a bankruptcy court, but unless a different company make a higher bid, the deal is likely to go through.
Charles Washington says
This is a great idea to purchase Quaker Steak and Lube. Please keep it as Quaker Steak and Lube if you put it in the TA truck stops. Lord knows Travel Centers of America need a real restaurant in their locations.
Vance T. Barker says
There is a conflict of interest problem regarding locations that are in Bossleman managed Pilot/Flying J locations.
Jerry says
The T/A Truck Stop has been strengthening its image since its purchase of the 76 Truck Stop Chain. Nice! Theme based places to eat is always Cool.
Roy says
This statement is not fully truthful. All the Lub’s here in the Richmond Va. area have already closed down operations. Recheck there story before posting.
Charli says
How about a healthy place to eat TA? How bout a fit foods, or a juice bar? YOU ARE KILLING US ALL!! Stop!
TGAMO says
How about some self control – instead of complaining that a restaurant is catering to customers needs
Frank says
Take responsibility for what you eat , don’t blame restaurants fur the choices you make ;))
Max says
They aren’t killing you. No one forces you to eat there. A microwave and a small refer on your truck opens a whole world of whatever foods you want.
It’s a business. If enough truckers want juice bars, whole grain and natural foods, etc (and will support it), Trucks stops will provide them. Sometimes biscuits and gravy or a cheeseburger hits the spot. If you want wild hickory nuts and free range chicken baked in a bed of organic greens…help yourself. But I doubt you’ll find it at a truck stop.
Mario says
They won’t, it’s politics. No matter how many people hate jumbo dogs they will still serve them.
Reason for that is junk food is easily stored, warmed up for serving and good to go.
Healthy food needs steady delivery, clean facilities and more to make it happen, too difficult task for truck stop
Roger says
Hey Charlie, you could always unfold your smart car or unhook your Prius and drive to a local juice hut?
Gerald Wood says
What about Healthy Foods to eat; not long ago, the oldest documented woman on the planet passed away at the age 115. This Woman donated her body to science…asking the ques. Why did she live so long? What the Researchers identified, this woman had two, (2) remaining stem cells inside her body producing white blood cells. What does this mean, the white blood cells are focused to the bodies immune system. What foods strengthen the immune system: Beta Glucans: yeast, barley, mushrooms & everyones old favorite porridge…today, its called: Oatmeal. To eat better eat your Oatmeal. eh, they do sell this at the T/A & Petro.
Bret says
The BIG problem with both TA and Petro is they offer nothing to eat after 10 pm except a restaurant
But wait there’s no place to park to spend 45 minutes waiting for food
We work 24 hrs a day TA
Food 24 hrs that you can actually get in 10 or 15 minutes
You don’t even have a stinking hot dog after 10 pm anyplace I’ve stopped
Jeff says
There are a zillion locations you can get your fast food cravings satisfied, go there. Truck stop restaurants provide a great place to get out of your truck sit and relax when you PARK for the night. No their not intended to service the pay lane break takers.
Roger says
Give em time Bret. TA & Petro are also involved in an aggressive expansion of converting “free” parking spots into PAID spots, to better serve us. Biggest screw this “trucker friendly” business is doing to us yet. Seems each time I pull into one of TA or Petro chains, new paid spots have appeared. & Pilot/Flying J are smelling the “blood in the water”. See for yourself the next time you visit Pilot in Hagerstown, MD. We’re just rolling ATM machines for these truck stops!
Mark Pain says
That is exactly why I have been doing a semi-boycott of T/A-Petro for a year now. It was already expensive to do business with them then cutting down on spaces for that reserved parking nonsense did it for me.
JC says
park in the fuel island like everyone else lol
James says
I’m am good with this! Tired of the same old country pride menu! The Lube has awesome food at reasonable prices. Just don’t change the concept. The lube serves alcohol. Keep it that way! My wife and I normally do our 34-48 hour break on the road and it’s nice to be able to have an adult beverage while doing so.
phatkhat says
The Lube will become the new Country Pride. Same homogenized truck stop food at inflated prices.
Jack says
Exactly! Go to any mom and pop that previously had good food. All the advertisements will say it’s the same great taste, but look at what everyone is eating. It’s the same nasty “food stuff” they serve in Country Pride and it’s complete garbage.
Joe says
Charli, T/A Already has many locations with Subway. Eat there.
Shoshi says
So typical from TA, to swallow all the smaller framnchises. What variety will they offer? Nothing has changed on their menu list!
Wesley Cory says
They’re already in the Bosselman’s in Grand Island, NE. Food is overpriced and not that good. Was only open for lunch and supper. Finally opened for breakfast. They’re nothing but a fast food joint that serves booze. Just what you want in a truckstop.
Rebel says
As a former employee of TravelCenters of America, I wouldn’t give them the time of day. Just a bunch of worthless managers. BTY, I’m also a retired “Truck Driver”.
Mike says
I don’t mind the change but would like them to be a sit down, have a waitress take your order and serve you, kind of place like their stand alone restaurants are. Don’t do like the Bosselmans did and turn it into a big wide open self service cafeteria. I prefer to have a quiet booth to do phone calls and paperwork while I enjoy my meal.