TravelCenters Set to Close Quaker Steak Deal

By David Bennett, Senior Editor

TravelCenters of America LLC expects to complete the acquisition of Quaker Steak & Lube chain in the next few days, said the national owner and operator of truck stops and convenience stores.

Famous for its hot wings and burgers, the Sharon, Pa.-based Quaker Steak & Lube filed for bankruptcy in November 2015. Soon afterward, TravelCenters, headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, reportedly purchased the chain of 50-plus locations for approximately $25 million.

Any discussion regarding plans on whether any Quaker Steak sites will be either closed or rebranded is premature just yet, said Tom Liutkus, senior vice president of marketing and public relations for TravelCenters.

“We will not comment about QSL (Quaker Steak) until the transaction closes,” Liutkus said.

Media outlets in Harrisburg Va. and Lakewood Ohio, located outside of Cleveland, this week reported the unexpected closings of Quaker Steak restaurants.

TravelCenters, which operates the TA, Petro Stopping Center travel center brands as well as Minit Mart convenience stores, this past February announced that it had completed the acquisition of five convenience stores, formerly known as TD Pete’s in Illinois. Those sites are expected to be rebranded Minit Marts.