A new stop along Interstate 35 is setting a higher bar for professional driver facilities, offering perks and amenities designed for both truckers and motorcoach operators.
Truckers Paradise, located just north of Dallas-Fort Worth, has opened with a mission to give large vehicle drivers a more comfortable, welcoming place to rest. While originally conceived with truck drivers in mind, Founder and CEO Dean Ash says the concept is just as focused on serving tour bus drivers and group travelers.
“Too often, professional drivers are treated like a commodity,” Ash said. “We want them to feel like real people. Whether you’re hauling freight or driving a coach full of passengers, you deserve a place where you feel welcome and valued.”
Built for Big Rigs and Tour Buses
The 41-acre site, redeveloped from a former outlet mall, features 160,000 square feet of active space and room to expand. Pull-through parking is oversized to fit the biggest rigs and buses, with extra width for added safety and ease of access.
The facility runs with a Caribbean theme, greeting drivers under a tiki hut before offering directions. In the evenings, golf carts shuttle guests between parking areas, the food court, and other attractions.
Inside, drivers and passengers will find eight dining options, premium shower suites, a cigar lounge, a fitness center, and a beach-inspired courtyard complete with fountains and palm trees.
Motorcoach drivers are given VIP treatment, including a free meal, high-end showers, and vouchers worth up to $50 for use in the convenience store or gift shop. “We shamelessly bribe the driver,” Ash joked. “Our whole model is about making sure they’re taken care of. If the driver’s happy, the passengers are happy.”
Amenities for Passengers Too
Travelers can relax in shaded walkways or the fountain-lined courtyard. A 20,000-square-foot indoor entertainment space offers virtual golf, batting cages, and other activities. An event center is being added to host concerts and community gatherings.
Fuel pumps are coming soon, but the center already offers mobile fueling delivered directly to parked vehicles at speeds of up to 40 gallons per minute. Mobile washing for trucks and buses is also available, along with maintenance services through a partnership with Rocky Mountain Truck Service.
A Veteran Entrepreneur’s Long-Term Vision
Ash, a Navy veteran, has spent decades turning around and growing businesses in industries from hospitality to real estate. He says this project is different from his past ventures.
“I’ve created and sold a lot of businesses, often by stepping in when a project was about to fail,” Ash said. “But this one isn’t about flipping. We’re in it for the long haul. We want to build something that lasts — something that drivers can count on.”
The idea for Truckers Paradise became personal after a longtime friend, a career car hauler, lost both his rig and his home in a fire. Ash and his wife took the couple in, giving him a firsthand look at the hardships drivers face.
“This isn’t just a business,” Ash said. “It’s about giving back to the people who keep this country moving. It’s about hospitality, safety, and comfort.”
Connecting with the Motorcoach Industry
The travel center is increasing its outreach to motorcoach operators through the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) and plans to attend the next UMA Motorcoach EXPO.
“We want to be on the map for the motorcoach industry,” Ash said. “We don’t take drivers for granted — and we won’t take this opportunity for granted either.”
Truckers Paradise is already listed on Apple Maps, Google Maps, and Garmin, with Rand McNally integration in progress. Located near two hotels, a Cracker Barrel, and a movie theater, it’s a convenient stop for both professional drivers and tour groups.
For details, visit www.truckersparadise.com.
Source: Bus and Motorcoach News
(Image Source: Bus and Motorcoach News) Amenities include a cigar lounge, fitness center, and a beach-themed courtyard with fountains.
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