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WEST POINT — West Point’s first truck stop has been open for several weeks now, and business has been good despite the impact of COVID-19.

TA Express is located off Exit 6 on I-85 near the junction of Kia Parkway and Kia Boulevard.

“We are really enjoying being here,” said Assistant Manager Ann Caldwell. “It’s a beautiful building, and everything is brand new. We’d love for everyone from West Point and the Valley area to come and check us out. The convenience store and truck side are open 24 hours a day. Champs Chicken is open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. on weekends.”

Popular items are the premium chicken and fish sandwiches priced in the $3.99 to $4.99 range.

TA Express may have the most gas pumps at any store in West Point and the Valley. There are six bays of pumps on both sides of the store. The Union 76 pumps for passenger cars are on the side of the store facing Kia Boulevard. The Union 76 truck pumps are on the backside.

Drivers can get a hot shower, relax in the lounge and enjoy fresh-bean-to-cup coffee. There’s parking available for them 24 hours a day.

Given its location near the Kia pad, TA Express gets a lot of customers from KMMG, Mobis, Powertech, Glovis and the other suppliers.

“We were built near Kia, and we love it when their team members come by,” Caldwell said. “Now that they have opened back up their employees are keeping us busy, and that’s good.”

TA Express, or TravelCenters of America LLC, is the largest publicly traded full-service travel center company in the U.S. It is headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, operates in 43 states and employs over 20,000 people. TA has an estimated 250 full-service locations along the U.S. Interstate Highway System.

Mayor Steve Tramell told The Valley Times-News that he was pleased for TA Express to be open.

“We are always glad to see new businesses opening in West Point,” he said.