Compass Travel Center is more than a stop—it’s a destination along I-65 in Demotte, Indiana.
Its owner, Roy Dobrasinovic, is a former professional truck driver from Montenegro, so when he bought the property in 2014, he wanted to build a home away from home for truckers. The travel center first opened its doors in 2022.
Home Comforts
Dobrasinovic “makes sure Compass Travel Center has all the comforts of home for our truckers,” said Rick Farias, general manager. The center boasts eight showers, a driver’s laundry room, and 85 semi-truck parking spots. “Plus, we have arcade games and massage chairs—it’s these little things that show we care about our customers,” he added.
But what makes the center unique is its treats and snacks from Europe, including candies, meats by the pound, chocolates, sausages, smoked beef and ham, a variety of cheeses, and many kinds of European packaged beverages. Bureks, similar to potpies, are one of the unusual and popular food items.
“Because of the owner’s European background, he wanted to bring in those foods and drinks popular overseas,” Farias said. “It’s been a huge hit with our customers, since they can get items here that aren’t available any place else.”
Because Dobrasinovic is a former trucker, he added special amenities for them, including a showroom with trucks for sale and Bob’s Chrome Shop. On the Trucker’s Path app, Compass is ranked third among independent truck stops and fourth overall in the United States. “These are things that truckers both need and enjoy exploring when stopping with us,” Farias said. “Of course, we have 10 high-speed clean diesel islands and 24 fueling positions, which offer gasoline, auto-diesel, E85 and E15, along with air for tires. In addition, we’ve recently added a pool table and darts for more entertainment options, and will offer live music on Thursdays. This summer, we will be opening a patio dining area.”
Compass has a double-drive thru Dunkin’, a Hunt Brothers Pizza, and its full-service Roadhouse Grill concept serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has a three-way license to offer wine, beer, and liquor.
To keep reading, check out the May 2024 issue of NACS Magazine.