Knoxville, Tenn.-based Pilot Flying J is expanding its partnership with Huddle House, an Atlanta-based restaurant chain, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported.
Huddle House, which has more than 400 locations in 20 states, has signed franchise agreements with Pilot Travel Centers to open five new travel-center eateries in the next eight months. Already a location in Frystown, Pa. is scheduled to open in May, with locations in Anna, Texas; Fargo, N.D.; New Haven, Ind.; and Lebanon, Ind., to follow.
“Expanding our restaurants into travel centers is beneficial for Huddle House because it provides joint traffic flow and a demographic that connects well with the iconic brand, from the quick, friendly service to the variety of food offerings,” noted Huddle House Chief Development Officer Mark Whittle.
Opening restaurants in a travel center typically involves a lower cost of capital for franchisees, compared to a traditional free-standing restaurant.
In January, Huddle House announced that two of its franchisees had signed leases with Pilot Flying J to open restaurants in Ardmore, Okla.; Edmond, Okla.; Oklahoma City; Madison, Ga.; Emporia, Kan.; and Salina, Kan.
Pilot Flying J has more than 550 retail locations.