MEMORIES:
Since 1968, hardly a road trip across the United States has failed to encounter the Flying J. For those not in the know, Flying J is considered by many to be the quintessential truck stop. Located along just about every major highway, Flying J is a friendly network of “travel plazas” featuring everything from a simple refueling point to locations that include restaurants, motels and even truck service centers, ready to make your excursion a little more enjoyable (or at least more tolerable.)
The food one finds at a Flying J varies from location to location. Generally, the restaurant portion seats many and may offer anything from your basic country fare to such exotic offerings as Chinese, pizza and even deli eats. The bathrooms vary as well. While some are well maintained, others are, shall we say, a bit lacking. Every Flying J comes complete with a convenience store, stocked with everything the weary traveler might require, such as ice scrapers during the winter months, umbrellas during the rainy months, car-adaptor fans for the hot months and enough Slim Jims, cheese doodles, Cokes and candy bars to keep your gullet happy.
Reliability goes a long way with the American traveler and as a result of their efforts, Flying J, was #17 on the Forbes list of Largest Private Companies in 2006, following such giants as Toys R Us and Mars (whose candy bars can always be found at a Flying J.)
In a nutshell, Kudos to Flying J for their omnipresence on the American Highway, ensuring gasoline and bathrooms for countless road-weary travelers. Kudos for their mediocre, yet reliable food-stuffs and commissary. And finally, kudos for just being there, like a long lost friend on the long and lonely journey from Point A to Point B.
