Trucks and Truckers

London Calling

Guests at the London, Ohio TA keep making memories

The London, Ohio TA has been filling up big rigs and driver’s stomachs for years, but it also brings in a hefty amount of locals, giving it that down home shop and restaurant atmosphere. Some customers have been coming in since the doors first opened as a Union 76 almost 30 years ago.

“One regular comes in twice a day for coffee,” says Country Pride Restaurant Manager Mike Buehrer. “He’s been doing it since the restaurant opened, he likes the comfort of the place.”

Rest & Recreation
Comfort is right. The trucker’s lounge offers stadium seating with a flat screen TV to enjoy, but the new shiatsu massage chairs have been a big hit for drivers who are looking for some rest and relaxation. If you’re in the mood for activity at your next stop, the game room boasts many favorite arcade games and a pool table to meet entertainment needs.

“Our friendly and fast service keeps them coming back,” says Restaurant Field Manager Jim Blake. “Drivers love to stop here for dinner or breakfast and then head right into Columbus to deliver their load.”

A Little Spirit
When the local college football team, the Ohio State Buckeyes, plays a home game, the TA shows its team spirit. Staff members don their own Buckeyes gear on game days and root, root, root for the home team.

“It gets the staff involved with guests on game day,” says Store Manager Monica Androsko. “They have something in common and they all are for the same team on game days.”

During the holidays, the store is decorated from end to end and Androsko makes sure there are Christmas trees at both entrances. The newly appointed coffee hostess keeps the hot drinks stocked and the countertop spotless year-round, but this time of year she may even be wearing a Christmas hat.

Home for the Holidays
The Country Pride Restaurant now offers an all-you-can-eat menu and a revamped look that will make any guest feel more at home. The Thanksgiving and Christmas Day menus include all traditional holiday fixings that will bring back holiday memories.

“It makes it feel more like home here during the holidays,” says Buehrer. “The guests like to talk about all the changes here, from the double-decker bus buffet back when the place first opened to now. They know the history and the stories of this place better than anyone.”