TravelCenters of America Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)
TravelCenters of America provides a range of services for travelers, including fuel, food, and convenience items, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
33
+
154%
154%
Franchise fee
?
$140,000
Investment
?
$1,461,000 - $54,061,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$9,597,000
+
-10.5%
-10.5%
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TravelCenters of America (TA) is the largest publicly traded full-service travel center operator in the United States. Founded in 1972, the company is headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, and operates a vast network of over 275 locations across 44 states and Canada.
TA began franchising to expand its footprint under the TA, Petro Stopping Centers, and TA Express brands, offering entrepreneurs a chance to partner with a well-established and trusted name in travel services.
TA's travel centers cater to both long-haul truckers and everyday motorists, providing a wide range of essential services. These include diesel and gasoline fueling stations, truck maintenance and repair, full-service and quick-service restaurants, convenience stores, showers, laundry facilities, and ample parking. The company’s goal is to serve as a one-stop destination for all the needs of highway travelers.
What differentiates TravelCenters of America from its competitors is its comprehensive, full-service model. Rather than offering just fuel or food, TA locations are designed to meet the complete needs of travelers and professional drivers.
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The initial investment required for a TravelCenters of America franchise is
$1,461,000 - $54,061,000.
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.
TravelCenters of America offers 2 options:
Type of TA Center
Initial Investment Range
Renovation and Conversion of an Existing Travel Center into a TA Center
$1,460,800 to $14,107,100
Ground-Up Construction of a TA Center
$8,084,100 to $54,060,700
The investment information below is based on the estimated initial investment for the renovation and conversion of an existing travel center into a TA Center.
For more information on the costs required to start a TravelCenters of America franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$115,000 to $140,000
Opening Extension Fees
$0 to $120,000
Training
$7,000 to $35,000
Opening Assistance
$10,000 to $30,000
Computer System Installation Fee
$30,000 to $50,000
Financing Review Fee
$0 to $7,500
Leasing Review Fee
$0 to $7,500
Real Estate Leasing Costs for 3 Months
$0 to $654,000
Site Improvements and Construction
$327,000 to $4,360,000
Equipment, Furniture & Fixtures
$218,000 to $3,726,800
Computer System and Software
$140,000 to $300,000
Insurance
$96,000 to $545,000
Additional Funds - 3 Months
$490,500 to $2,725,000
Vehicles
$0 to $315,000
Inventory
$0 to $682,500
Soft Costs, Professional Fees, Permits and Bonds
$27,300 to $381,500
Licenses
$0 to $27,300
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$1,460,800 to $14,107,100
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TravelCenters of America offers 2 options:
Type of TA Center
Initial Investment Range
Renovation and Conversion of an Existing Travel Center into a TA Center
$1,460,800 to $14,107,100
Ground-Up Construction of a TA Center
$8,084,100 to $54,060,700
The investment information below is based on the estimated initial investment for the renovation and conversion of an existing travel center into a TA Center.
For more information on the costs required to start a TravelCenters of America franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$115,000 to $140,000
Opening Extension Fees
$0 to $120,000
Training
$7,000 to $35,000
Opening Assistance
$10,000 to $30,000
Computer System Installation Fee
$30,000 to $50,000
Financing Review Fee
$0 to $7,500
Leasing Review Fee
$0 to $7,500
Real Estate Leasing Costs for 3 Months
$0 to $654,000
Site Improvements and Construction
$327,000 to $4,360,000
Equipment, Furniture & Fixtures
$218,000 to $3,726,800
Computer System and Software
$140,000 to $300,000
Insurance
$96,000 to $545,000
Additional Funds - 3 Months
$490,500 to $2,725,000
Vehicles
$0 to $315,000
Inventory
$0 to $682,500
Soft Costs, Professional Fees, Permits and Bonds
$27,300 to $381,500
Licenses
$0 to $27,300
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$1,460,800 to $14,107,100
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is TravelCenters of America's 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. Sign up for free to view the document.
Number of units
TravelCenters of America had 186 total units in 2026, of which 33 were franchised-owned and 153 company-owned.
TA Franchise provides a comprehensive set of training programs for franchisees and their staff to ensure effective operation and adherence to the TA System and TA System Standards. Here are the types of training provided:
Initial Training Program: This mandatory program must be completed by the Managing Owner and other designated personnel before the opening of the TA Center. It covers the TA System and operational standards and spans 5 to 28 business days depending on the role. While TA Franchise does not charge a training fee for one employee per role, the franchisee bears all associated travel and living expenses.
Operational and Management Training: Conducted monthly or quarterly based on demand, this program is delivered by a seasoned training staff, including certified ASE instructors and district managers with decades of experience. The sessions aim to instill best practices and advanced technical skills in managing the TA Center.
Voluntary Additional Training: TA Franchise may offer optional training programs beyond the initial mandatory sessions. These may incur fees at TA Franchise’s prevailing rates and are designed to further enhance franchisee capabilities.
Training for Transfers and Renewals: In cases of ownership transfer or renewal of the franchise agreement, the new or continuing owners must complete TA Franchise’s standard training programs to ensure consistency in operational standards.
Territory Protection
TA Franchise does not offer exclusive territory rights. A Protected Area may be granted and defined in Exhibit C of the Franchise Agreement, but if it's not specified, the franchisee has no territorial protection.
Even within a Protected Area, TA Franchise can operate or license other businesses, including Petro Centers. Franchisees cannot expand outside their Protected Area without consent and do not have automatic rights to additional franchises.
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