Petro Stopping Centers Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)
Petro Stopping Centers is a travel center franchise offering a wide range of services for travelers, including fuel, dining, convenience stores, and truck maintenance.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
11
+
0%
0%
Franchise fee
?
$130,000
Investment
?
$11,395,000 - $52,177,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Founded in 1975 by J.A. Cardwell Sr. in El Paso, Texas, Petro Stopping Centers revolutionized the truck stop industry by introducing the first self-service truck stop in the United States. This innovative approach set a new benchmark for customer service and convenience, redefining expectations in the travel center sector.
In 2007, Petro Stopping Centers was acquired by TravelCenters of America (TA), which had been established in 1972 and is headquartered in Westlake, Ohio. The acquisition expanded TA’s operations to include several brands—TA, Petro Stopping Centers, and TA Express—across more than 275 locations in 44 states and Canada.
These centers offer a comprehensive range of services including diesel and gasoline fueling, truck maintenance, full- and quick-service dining, travel stores, and ample parking.
Petro began franchising in 2008, offering business owners the chance to operate under a trusted and nationally recognized brand. Franchisees gain access to TA’s strong buying power, established fleet relationships, and a full suite of support services, including marketing, operations, and training.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Petro Stopping Centers franchise is
$11,395,000 - $52,177,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$80,000 – $130,000
Opening Extension Fees
$0 – $120,000
Training
$7,000 – $60,000
Opening Assistance
$30,000 – $90,000
Computer System Installation Fee
$30,000 – $50,000
Leasing Review Fee
$0 – $7,500
Financing Review Fee
$0 – $7,500
Real Estate Leasing Costs for 3 Months
$0 – $800,000
Site Improvements and Construction
$10,000,000 – $38,000,000
Equipment, Furniture & Fixtures
$200,000 – $6,512,000
Computer System and Software
$140,000 – $400,000
Insurance
$88,000 – $600,000
Additional Funds – 3 Months
$450,000 – $2,500,000
Vehicles
$0 – $350,000
Inventory
$345,000 – $1,500,000
Soft Costs, Professional Fees, Permits and Bonds
$25,000 – $1,000,000
Licenses
$0 – $50,000
TOTAL
$11,395,000 – $52,177,000
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$80,000 – $130,000
Opening Extension Fees
$0 – $120,000
Training
$7,000 – $60,000
Opening Assistance
$30,000 – $90,000
Computer System Installation Fee
$30,000 – $50,000
Leasing Review Fee
$0 – $7,500
Financing Review Fee
$0 – $7,500
Real Estate Leasing Costs for 3 Months
$0 – $800,000
Site Improvements and Construction
$10,000,000 – $38,000,000
Equipment, Furniture & Fixtures
$200,000 – $6,512,000
Computer System and Software
$140,000 – $400,000
Insurance
$88,000 – $600,000
Additional Funds – 3 Months
$450,000 – $2,500,000
Vehicles
$0 – $350,000
Inventory
$345,000 – $1,500,000
Soft Costs, Professional Fees, Permits and Bonds
$25,000 – $1,000,000
Licenses
$0 – $50,000
TOTAL
$11,395,000 – $52,177,000
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Petro Stopping Centers's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Petro Stopping Centers had 77 total units in 2025, of which 11 were franchised-owned and 66 company-owned.
Petro Stopping Centers provides a structured and detailed training program to ensure that franchisees and their teams are fully prepared to operate their business in line with company standards. Here are the primary training programs:
Initial Management Training: This mandatory training must be completed by the Managing Owner and key personnel before the Petro Center opens. It includes classroom and on-the-job training, with durations ranging from 5 to 28 business days, depending on the role. There is no training fee for the initial employee per job function, but all other expenses like travel and lodging are covered by the franchisee.
Fuel Department Training: Focused on on-site, operational topics such as fuel management, quality standards, cleanliness, and coffee program management. This includes approximately 80 hours of hands-on training for department managers.
Truck Service Department Training: Includes a substantial 120 hours of off-site classroom training on overall operations, along with 70 hours of on-site training. This may include TIA and Freightliner certification classes, depending on the franchise.
Territory Protection
Petro Stopping Centers provides limited territory protection to its franchisees, referred to as a "Protected Area," which is defined in Exhibit C of the Franchise Agreement. This area typically surrounds the approved franchise location, and the franchisor agrees not to authorize another Petro Center within it—provided the franchisee remains in compliance.
However, if no Protected Area is specified, the franchisee does not receive any territorial rights. Even when a Protected Area is granted, the franchisor reserves substantial rights. These include the ability to operate or license other brands such as TA or TA Express within or outside the Protected Area.
Franchisees are also restricted from expanding or selling outside their area via alternative distribution methods like the internet without written permission, which can be withheld at the franchisor's discretion.
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