The Petro Travel Center in Girard, Ohio, has been a staple for motorists since it opened its doors in May 1990. Situated at the intersection of Interstate 80 and Salt Springs Road, this travel center caters to a wide range of customers, from over-the-road truckers to drivers of passenger vehicles. The site is part of TravelCenters of America, which acquired Petro in 2007 and operates over 300 centers across 44 states. Today, the Girard location employs 100 area residents, offering a variety of services to its customers.
The journey to establish the Petro Travel Center was not without its challenges. In 1988, the $6.5 million project faced opposition due to parochial politics. Youngstown City Council proposed annexing the site to the city, while Trumbull County sought to develop a limited capacity package plant to provide water and sewer services. The political tug of war threatened to derail the project, with Petro’s vice president, Travis Roberts, warning that the company would sell the land if no progress was made within six months.
However, through negotiations led by Youngstown Mayor Patrick J. Ungaro, an agreement was reached. Petro agreed to provide 30% of the jobs created by the project to Youngstown residents and pay the city 2% of the truck stop’s total payroll in exchange for a sewer line extension. This resolution helped pave the way for the project to move forward, with Girard City Council approving a sewer contract with the county in December 1988.
After overcoming these hurdles, the Petro Travel Center finally opened its doors on May 7, 1990. The facility includes the Iron Skillet restaurant, a convenience store, BP-branded gasoline, and a pet area. With five truck maintenance bays, emergency roadside service, 14 showers, 14 diesel lanes, and parking for 320 trucks, the travel center offers a range of amenities for its customers.
The impact of the Petro Travel Center extended beyond its own operations. The successful establishment of the center paved the way for other fuel and food providers to set up shop in the area. Today, Pilot, Mr. Fuel, Sheetz, Dunkin‘, and McDonald’s are among the establishments serving customers at the I-680-Salt Springs intersection.
In conclusion, the Petro Travel Center in Girard, Ohio, stands as a testament to perseverance and collaboration. Despite facing challenges and political obstacles, the project ultimately came to fruition, providing a valuable service to motorists and contributing to the local economy. The center continues to thrive, serving a diverse range of customers and setting the stage for further development in the area.