TA hires executive chef to ‘enhance’ food at full-service truck stop restaurants

This week, TravelCenters of America (TA) announced a new effort to improve the menu offerings at the company’s truck stop locations.

On March 14, TA announced that Chef Maira Isabel has been hired as a Corporate Executive Chef tasked with “adding flavorful, healthy offerings and integrating food trends and regional specialties into the menus of TA’s Country Pride and Iron Skillet restaurants.”

As part of the plan to upgrade offerings at TA restaurants, Chef Maira will also partner with the Cleveland Clinic to create healthier menu items.

Chef Maira is a best-selling cookbook author who has appeared as talent on several television shows and in publications including Food & Beverage Magazine.

“Chef Maira’s diverse background working in restaurants around the world, coupled with her sincere passion and enthusiasm, will elevate the sit-down dining experience at our travel centers,” said Lloyd Sanford, SVP, Hospitality. “Every culinary decision will be focused on ensuring we deliver on our mission of returning every traveler to the road better than they came.”

In addition to proprietary brands Country Pride and Iron Skillet, TA launched the Fork & Compass restaurant concept in January 2023 in Perrysburg, Ohio. The Fork & Compass concept is designed to provide comfortable, casual dining with unique menu items.

TA currently operates 150 full-service restaurants nation-wide.