Pilot Travel Centers’ $1 billion New Horizons remodeling project will enhance the retailer’s stores throughout North America. As part of the three-year project, more than 400 Pilot and Flying J travel locations will receive upgrades. More than 50 site remodels are planned for this year.
Pilot will focus on several areas of improvement to its travel centers including complete store renovations, restroom and shower remodeling, kitchen and dining area expansion, driver amenity improvements, the expansion of digital engagement and upgrading technologies to serve fuel and retail customers.
“For 63 years, we’ve been proud to fuel millions of journeys and, as we have done since our founding, we will continue to evolve the travel center experience to meet the changing needs of our guests and team members,” said Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company in a statement. “We are listening to what our guests want most at our locations and how we can improve our offerings to make their travels easier and more enjoyable. New Horizons will incorporate this feedback as we overhaul our entire network to deliver on what our guests value today and prepare our stores for the future.”
The New Horizons project will be implemented over several phases, with upgrades including:
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- Remodeling store exteriors and interiors with more energy-efficient lighting for well-lit parking lots, improved fueling experiences, updated branding, refaced walls and store features;
- Restroom, shower and laundry enhancements through the creation of additional facilities and updates to existing areas with energy-efficient fixtures — including touchless options where possible;
- Creating expanded seating, dining and lounge spaces for guests;
- Redesigning store layouts to enhance retail, food and beverage offerings with increased variety and more of Pilot’s signature fresh deli items such as pizza, homestyle meals, grab-and-go foods and premium coffee;
- Installing technology including self-checkout stations for a more efficient customer experience;
- Upgrading employee breakrooms and workspaces, including installing new kitchen equipment and back-office solutions; and
- Providing fueling alternatives such as EV charging stations and support for low- and zero-emission vehicles.
Upgrades to Pilot’s stores are only one component of New Horizons; the company also intends to invest in surrounding communities by donating more than $500,000 this year to support local schools, with the goal of contributing to equal access to educational technology.
