A mom-and-pop truck stop and diner which still proudly served truckers and the local community has burned to the ground. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Ed’s Truck Stop and Diner was located right at the junction between I-40 and U.S. 64 in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. It was one of a dying breed of truck stops. It was still independently owned, had a classic diner which looked like it was straight out of the 1950s, and even had a 1946 Lincoln Continental convertible and a collection of antique pedal cars on display to complete the look.
According to Mike Fullbright, Fire Captain for the Sallisaw Fire Department, the call came in shortly before 4 a.m. on Jan 25th.
“When we arrived, the fire was coming through the roof towards the back part of the building,” Fullbright said according to the Sequoyah County Times. “The fire spread quickly and we were just defenseless.”
The fire department stayed on the scene for five hours fighting the blaze and managed to keep it from hitting the gas pumps, saving the site from an explosion.
There is no word yet on whether the owners will rebuild. One of the owners, known only as “Lovely” managed the truck stop and, as shown in Facebook posts below, both customers and employees seemed attached to the place.
“A lot of the locals, a lot of the older people come down here and drink coffee and solve problems, you know,” Fire Chief Anthony Armstrong said according to KFSM. “It’s kind of a meeting spot. I’m sure it’s going to be missed by many residents here in town.”
Source: overdrive, 5newsonline, sequoyahcountytimes, sequoyahcountytimes
Image Source: Facebook
Andrew H says
Damn… That’s always hard to see. These places don’t capitalize on truckers like the big chain ones do, instead, provide a service for drivers. There’s a big difference. I hope it was insured and everything is covered for a rebuild.
Benjamin says
That was a very cool place!
It was full of nostalgia and memories of better times.
Old school in many ways, but sometimes, that is a good thing.
Hope they were well insured and decide to rebuild the place.
I’ll be back !
Timothy Higuera says
Hey Benjamin, ya know what they say ( at least in the movies) ‘Old school is the best school’ or something like that.
Kelly says
Never been there. However, no report of anyone being injured is good news. Yes, I’ll also be glad for them to be adequately insured and rebuild if they desire. Sounds like a nice spot for us otrers and locals alike. Peace and blessings to all!
Daniel says
The question is not whether they will rebuild or not – the question is, did the owners set the fire to cash out before they became the next Pilot Flying Jerkoff’s location?
Jeffrey Eakman says
This is very sad.
JIMMY says
PILOT DID IT.
Turner says
Stopped there all the time when my loads took me that way. Great food and great people, sorry about the loss hopefully they can and will build back.
Tim scanlon says
Please where was it at . I ‘ve been on the road 42 years and love these palaces. Sorry to see another one go