RADFORD – The City of Radford has announced TripStop, an owner-operated company with more than 30 locations across Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, will develop a travel center at Interstate 81 Exit 105 in Radford.
The business will be located on approximately three acres of property acquired from the Radford Economic Development Authority.
“TripStop expects its investment in the project to total approximately $5 million, representing a significant long-term commitment to the Exit 105 corridor and the City of Radford,” the city announced. “The new location is designed to serve Radford residents, interstate travelers and professional drivers while strengthening one of the city’s key gateways.”
“The Radford Economic Development Authority is proud to have worked exclusively with TripStop in bringing this project to Radford,” the city announced. “From the initial discussions through the development process, Kim Repass, the Economic Development Director has partnered directly with TripStop to support the vision for a modern travel center at Exit 105 and help facilitate a project that will create jobs, generate economic activity, and strengthen the Interstate 81 corridor with an important entry point into the City.”
“We are excited about the opportunity to welcome TripStop to Radford and see this project as a significant investment in our community and the Interstate 81 corridor,” said Repass. “A modern travel center at Exit 105 will provide valuable services to residents and visitors, while creating new local jobs and generating additional economic activity.”
“Just as importantly, TripStop’s commitment to long-term ownership and collaboration with the City and our community aligns well with our vision for a high-quality gateway into Radford,” she continued. “We look forward to working with the TripStop team to help make this project a successful addition to our community.”
The travel center will combine traditional convenience-store services with amenities designed to meet the needs of both motorists and professional drivers. The approximately 5,000-square-foot facility is expected to include gasoline and diesel fueling; dedicated truck parking; two hot-food/quick-service restaurant offerings; driver showers; electric vehicle charging infrastructure, coordinated with state and local agencies; and a convenience store.
Abram Williams, Chair of the Economic Development Authority said the project is great news for the city’s economic development.
“This is a tremendous win for the City of Radford and a project the EDA has worked toward for a long time,” said Williams. “As a board, we wanted to see impactful private development come to this property, and there were challenges associated with making that happen.”
“Through the EDA’s efforts to acquire the adjoining property and position the site for development, we were able to help make this project possible,” he continued. “Kim was instrumental in helping us navigate the process and bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion. TripStop is exactly the type of investment we wanted to see at Exit 105. The volume of traffic and commerce moving along I-81 presents a tremendous opportunity for Radford, and this project gives that traffic a reason to stop and spend money in our city. We believe this investment will not only create jobs and economic activity but also help generate momentum for additional development along this end of Radford.”
Beyond the immediate economic activity generated by construction and ongoing operations, the project is expected to provide a long-term contribution to Radford’s tax base through continued operation of the owner-operated facility.
“We’re proud to bring a new TripStop travel center to Radford and to make a long-term investment in this community,” said Sagar Patadia, Vice President of Retail Operations at TripStop. “From our earliest conversations, Kim Repass and the Radford Economic Development Authority have been tremendous partners in helping us move this project forward and develop a vision that works for Radford, interstate travelers, and professional drivers along I-81.”
“At TripStop, our mission is to make every trip better by delivering exceptional convenience, genuine hospitality, and a place people can always count on,” he continued. “That is exactly what we intend to bring to Exit 105. We look forward to creating local jobs, becoming an active part of the Radford community, and building a location that residents and travelers can rely on for many years to come.”
Staff report
