By GARETT VALCOURT
In a significant development for Ponce De Leon and Holmes County, local business owner Angela Dockery has announced the sale of her property adjacent to Interstate 10 to Pilot Travel Center. “I had numerous people inquiring about that land, and I chose Pilot Travel Center,” Dockery stated. “I chose them because they were ready to start construction immediately.”
Jack Rymer, Project Manager at Pilot Travel Center, added, “We aim to commence construction by January 2025, with an estimated completion time of six months. We will need to undergo some rezoning, but once that process is complete, we can begin the work.” The new Pilot Travel Center is expected to create 60-70 jobs and generate significant revenue, including over $120,000 in annual sales tax, over $190,000 in annual property tax, and $4.83 million in annual gas taxes.
Following this announcement, the County Commissioners approved a motion to allocate $3.2 million, along with $935,000 in Busy Bee funds, to support the project.
Pilot, headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, operates over 750 travel centers nationwide. Pilot Flying J is the largest distributor of over-the-road diesel fuel in the United States and the largest travel center chain in the country under the Pilot, Flying J, and Mr. Fuel brands. Additionally, Pilot Flying J is the third-largest franchiser of quick-service restaurants in the nation, with over 200 Subway locations, making it the largest Subway franchisee globally. While most Pilot Travel Centers do not offer full-service dining, the Flying J brand includes full-service dining options such as Denny’s. Other main restaurants at Pilot locations include Arby’s, Chester’s Chicken, Dairy Queen, Hardee’s, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Subway, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Cinnabon, Huddle House, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Dunkin’ Donuts.
Jim Saunders 
Dara Kam 