An Oasis for Truckers and Travelers at Compass Travel Center
Community Members Acquire a New Restaurant and More
DEMOTTE - Travelers and local residents have another option for fuel off of Interstate 65 and Indiana 10. The newly opened Compass Travel Center is not just a fueling station, but inside you will find a Dunkin Donuts, an upscale American-European grill, a travelers lounge, and a semi-truck showroom.
The Compass Travel Center recently had a soft opening and is starting to serve customers. The Travel Center itself has several rows of touch-screen fuel pumps with all the latest technology in order to provide payment for fuel. The spacing between pumps is ample in order to accommodate many vehicles at a time. It is easy to navigate around the pumps to get in and out without complications or having to wait for traffic. The front of the travel center is tall and open with dozens of windows in the front as you enter. Upon entering the travel center, you’ll find high ceilings making it feel very large inside. The coolers and shelves are well stocked and inviting. In the coolers and on shelves you’ll find some upscale items including Kefir and German chocolate. To the back of the travel center you will find a show room for semi-trucks. According to the Roadhouse Grill general manager, the owner of Compass Travel Center first started his business in trucking. He has since grown his company to include other aspects of the trucking industry with the exception of a travel center. This was the obvious next step. The showroom fits into the sales and leasing of semi-trucks, which is part of the owner’s previous and continuing business.
The Compass name is a staple name for the owner. The owner has other businesses that use the name Compass in it was reported by the general manager.
In additions to the beverages, snacks, and other items found in the travel center, you will also find a Dunkin Donuts. The Dunkin Donuts has a drive through on the West side of the travel center building. The inside area has a very bright and extensive menu of items available. The case is filled with donuts and the barista is busy making coffee drinks for the customers. There is a small seating area near the sales counter, but there is additional seating for larger groups and some more seating back towards the middle of the travel center. The chairs near the counter are a brightly colored orange and a large sign on the wall reminds visitors and customers that “Indiana runs on Dunkin.”
Jamie, the general manager at the Roadhouse Grill, explained that they looked at several options and had also looked at what was lacking from the area. Since she and the owner are from the Chicago area, Dunkin is a big part of where they are from, and it just made sense to bring Dunkin to the area.
The Roadhouse Grill is the upscale restaurant included in the travel center. When you enter the restaurant, their is a hostess that will seat you. Right now the menu is limited but will expand as the kitchen staff becomes more comfortable with the current menu. The general manager also said that they don’t want to overwhelm the customers with a large menu to start, additional menu items will be coming soon.
“We want people to come and enjoy the little things in life. We’re trying to cater to everyone. Families, travelers, and truckers can come in for a comforting meal,” said Jamie.
The atmosphere in the restaurant is comfortable and welcoming. The decor resembles that of an American-style grill. Menu items include burgers and other sandwiches. There is a bar area that gives a peek into the kitchen. The bar area is sectioned off with a wall and some greenery. This wall keeps the restaurant area separate from the bar. The bar menu includes beer and wine, for now. Spirits will be added later on.
The name Roadhouse Grill comes from the fact you are on the road and it is in a travel center, as explained by the general manager.
Jamie, the general manager, described how the owner is focused on bringing jobs to the area. There is additional property attached to the current travel center. There will be additional development to the property in the future. The owner hopes to open additional travel centers in the future.
Compass Travel Center is hiring. You can submit an application on their website at http://www.compasstravelcenter.com/. You can also find the current price of fuel on their website. The grand opening will be coming later in January.
Details included in this report were provided by Jamie, the General Manager at the Roadhouse Grill.
Jaime is the Roadhouse restaurant GM. If you would like to speak to the Compass Travel Center GM then reach out to me at TCGM@compasstravelcenter.com