Bowlin Travel Centers

Bowlin Travel Centers, Inc. is a New Mexico-based family owned company that operates a chain of roadside convenience stores and travel centers found on highways in the American southwest. The stores are located primarily in the U.S. states of Arizona and New Mexico; their corporate headquarters are located in Albuquerque. The company's Chief Executive Officer is Michael L. Bowlin.

Bowlin Travel Centers, Inc.
TypePublic
OTC Pink Current: BWTL
IndustryEnergy, Retail (Convenience stores)
Founded1919 (1919)
FounderClaude M. Bowlin
Headquarters
Albuquerque, New Mexico
,
United States
Number of locations
10
Area served
Southwestern United States
ServicesFuel
Fast food
Convenience store
Revenue$19.8 million (2012)
Websitewww.bowlintc.com

The stores are located along highways in New Mexico and offer additional amenities such as food from restaurant chains such as Subway, and Dairy Queen.

History

The company's travel centers typically incorporate a Southwestern "trading post" theme, in the manner of small stores commonly found along Old Route 66 prior to the construction of the Interstate. Many were former independent businesses. They have names like "Flying C Ranch",[1] "Old West", "Bowlin's Running Indian", and "Continental Divide". One location, called simply "The Thing"[2] also incorporates another Route 66 tradition, the sideshow. Their retail products include Native American jewellery and food.[3]

In 2003, the company operated 15 locations in Arizona and New Mexico and employed about 150 people in New Mexico; five of those travel centers have since been closed.[3] Stores sell fuel branded Exxon or Shell, and many also incorporate a Dairy Queen.

Prior to 2000, the company operated as Bowlin Outdoor Advertising & Travel Centers Inc., however the Outdoor Advertising division was sold to Lamar Advertising in a stock swap valued at $27.2 million.[4]

References
  1. Russell A. Olsen (2008-09-24). The Complete Route 66 Lost & Found. p. 244. ISBN 9780760334928. Retrieved 2012-08-20.
  2. Wesley Treat (2007-10-01). Weird Arizona: Your Travel Guide to Arizona's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets. p. 95. ISBN 9781402739385. Retrieved 2012-08-20.
  3. Harrison, Heather (April 22, 2003). "Bowlin Travel Centers reports Q4, year profit". New Mexico Business Weekly. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  4. "Lamar Advertising buying New Mexico billboard company". Associated Press. October 4, 2000.

35°4′40.1″N 106°34′5.9″W

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