Travel Centers of America (TA)

Mr. Gekko said: "A few days ago TA started trading on the AMEX. If the name doesn't ring a bell, TA is a truck stop chain and has locations across the U.S. (such as the one pictured below, which is in Wyoming along I-80). I have reasons of why this could be a good stock but, once again I want opinions."

thezster said: "Their coffee sucks..... there was a time when I loved TA roadstops... I used to travel a lot and they were a welcome sight - good food, clean restrooms, big spacious parking lots. Last time I traveled, however, the food was slimy, the coffee pure mud, and the lot was frequented by more lot lizards than customers... Not saying they wouldn't be a good investment... but I play with companies I like to frequent."

Mr. Gekko said: "[QUOTE=thezster]there was a time when I loved TA roadstops... I used to travel a lot and they were a welcome sight - good food, clean restrooms, big spacious parking lots. Last time I traveled, however, the food was slimy, the coffee pure mud, and the lot was frequented by more lot lizards than customers... Not saying they wouldn't be a good investment... but I play with companies I like to frequent.[/QUOTE] I totally get what you're saying, Z. I actually "spied" on a truckers forum and none of the members really had anything good to say about T/A's. Flying J's got the best comments but, they're not publicly traded. The only way to play "J's" would with COP as most locations sell Conoco branded fuel. COP's partnership with Flying J is a small, fractional part of their business and I already have COP on my watch list for other reasons. I've taken TA [I][B]off[/B][/I] my watch list. On a lighter note, when I traveled with my parents as a youngster our regular coffee/bathroom stops where Cracker Barrel restaurants. Now when I travel I still use Cracker Barrel as my pit stop. A grilled bacon and cheese sandwich with a side of fried apples is my typical lunch order. :th_dblthumb2:"

Mr. Gekko said: "[QUOTE=thezster]Their coffee sucks.....[/QUOTE] Oh... and speaking of coffee. One of my investments... MCD... had their coffee rated number one by Consumer Reports. Take that Starbucks! (they came in second). I believe Burger King was last. The article said what BK has "looks like coffee but, tastes like hot water." Ouch! :dazed052:"