The new Talent Travel Center has officially begun 24/7 operations, aiming to cater to a diverse range of customers, including locals, travelers, and truckers.
Located just off Interstate 5 at Exit 21 on West Valley View Road, the center replaces the former Talent Truck Stop, which ceased operations in 2010. Although some big rig fueling services resumed in 2018, the new travel center significantly upgrades the services available.
Fueling has already commenced at the new passenger vehicle site, and the convenience store opened on Friday. Fast-food operations inside the 8,225-square-foot main building are set to begin on January 30. The back half of the 4.15-acre site is still undergoing paving work for the big rig diesel refueling operation, which will be located near the original building, soon to be used for truck washing and mechanical repairs once staffing is complete.
The center is initially operating with seven or eight employees but plans to increase staffing to about 30 as operations expand. Nav Saroya, CEO of Saroya and Sons LLC of Tacoma, Washington, stated that the business aims to support the local community, especially with Talent’s rebuilding efforts after the Almeda Fire. Two of the center’s employees are from a nearby manufactured home park that was destroyed in the fire.
Once diesel fueling is available, the business expects its customer base to be evenly split between truckers, locals, and travelers, with the trucking side accounting for 45% to 50% of business. The Talent Travel Center is the company’s first venture in Oregon, though Saroya and Sons already operates gas stations and hotels in Washington.
The center’s dining area will feature three fast-food services: Chester’s Chicken, Hangar 54 Pizza, and an Asian food vendor yet to be determined. Breakfast options will also be available from the vendors.
The Saroya family has played an active role in the center’s development, with Nav Saroya, his father Chris, and his uncle overseeing preparations and meeting with suppliers to ensure a smooth opening.
