Kenly 95 TA to get fresh look during major renovation
An artist's rendering of the new Kenly 95 TA.
The Trucker News Services
1/18/2008
KENLY, N.C. — The new year means the start of a fresh new look for the Kenly 95 TA Truckstop located at I-95 Exit 106 here.
A two-year renovation and expansion project began last month.
Once completed the facility will boast a brand new 40,000 square foot main building.
“The Kenly 95 will be unrecognizable,” general manager Ernie Brame, said. “We will have a bright, modern new look and so much more to offer our customers.”
Brame said truck accessory shoppers “will be blown away” by a new, towering light wall in the Chrome Shop that will display many different marker lights, rear center panels and light bars — 572 lights in all that will be illuminated to provide customers the opportunity to see exactly what a particular light will look like on their truck.
There will also be a semi tractor in the store displaying that latest chrome accessories.
“Drivers will be able to see how an item actually looks when it’s installed,” Brame said. “The visual will be fantastic!”
Brame said truckers and motorists stopping for a bite to eat will be able to quench their appetite in the all new 150-seat full-service restaurant.
The restaurant will feature a new, large buffet, an all-new menu and a nautical theme decor.
The Wendy’s will also be remodeled and become part of a bright, spacious, 150-seat food court where customers can enjoy fresh salads, burgers and more.
The main architectural feature will be a 65-foot tall lighthouse on the exterior of the truckstop. “The lighthouse is a very unique design feature and captures the spirit of Cape Hatteras,” Brame said. “We are sure customers will be awe-struck. There is nothing like it anywhere.”
The existing gas pumps and convenience store will be demolished to make room for additional parking. An expanded convenience store will be incorporated into the main building and the gas islands will be moved out front to increase customer convenience. Those entering the new convenience store will see a fully-restored 1946 Dodge Power Wagon perched atop boulders near the new Moonstruck Java coffee station.
Brame said he was excited about the remodel and for the new growth that he foresees as a result of the expansion.
“Once this project is complete, Kenly 95 will be the premiere destination in North Carolina for professional drivers and travelers,” he said.
Kenly 95 TA Truckstop is part of the Iowa 80 Group that also owns Iowa 80 TA Truckstop, Walcott, Iowa; Joplin Petro, Joplin, Mo.; Oak Grove 70 Petro, Oak Grove, Mo; Truckomat Truck Washes; IOWA80.COM mail-order catalog and e-commerce web site; the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum at Walcott, Iowa, and the CAT Scale Company.