Bowlin Travel Centers
Company type | Public |
---|---|
OTC Pink: BWTL | |
Industry | Energy, Retail (Convenience stores) |
Founded | 1919 |
Founder | Claude M. Bowlin |
Headquarters | , United States |
Number of locations | 10 |
Services | Fuel Fast food Convenience store |
Revenue | $19.8 million (2012) |
Website | www.bowlintc.com |
Bowlin Travel Centers, Inc. is a New Mexico- based company that operates a chain of roadside convenience stores and travel centers found on highways in the American southwest. The stores are located primarily in the U.S. states of Arizona and New Mexico; their corporate headquarters are located in Albuquerque. The company's Chief Executive Officer is Michael L. Bowlin. Bowlin previously served on the Board of Directors of Global Entertainment Corporation.[1]
The company's travel centers typically incorporate a Southwestern "trading post" theme, in the manner of small stores commonly found along Old Route 66 prior to the construction of the Interstate. Many were former independent businesses. They have names like "Flying C Ranch",[2] "Old West", "Bowlin's Running Indian", and "Continental Divide". One location, called simply "The Thing"[3] also incorporates another Route 66 tradition, the sideshow. Their retail products include Native American jewellery and food.[4]
In 2003 the company operated 15 locations in Arizona and New Mexico and employed about 150 people in New Mexico.[4] Stores sell fuel branded Exxon or Shell, and many also incorporate a Dairy Queen.
Prior to 2000, the company operated as Bowlin Outdoor Advertising & Travel Centers Inc., however the Outdoor Advertising division was sold to Lamar Advertising in a stock swap valued at $27.2 million.[5]
References
- ^ "Global Entertainment Announces Internal Reorganization And The Miller Group Special Assignment". thestreet.com. September 23, 2010. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
- ^ Russell A. Olsen (2008-09-24). The Complete Route 66 Lost & Found. p. 244. ISBN 9780760334928. Retrieved 2012-08-20.
- ^ Wesley Treat (2007-10-01). Weird Arizona: Your Travel Guide to Arizona's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets. p. 95. ISBN 9781402739385. Retrieved 2012-08-20.
- ^ a b Harrison, Heather (April 22, 2003). "Bowlin Travel Centers reports Q4, year profit". New Mexico Business Weekly. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
- ^ "Lamar Advertising buying New Mexico billboard company". Associated Press. October 4, 2000.
35°4′40.1″N 106°34′5.9″W / 35.077806°N 106.568306°W
- Companies listed on the Pink Sheets
- Companies based in Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Restaurants in Arizona
- Restaurants in New Mexico
- Transportation in Arizona
- Transportation in New Mexico
- Economy of the Southwestern United States
- Convenience stores of the United States
- Gas stations in the United States
- Buildings and structures on U.S. Route 66
- Visitor attractions along U.S. Route 66
- Restaurants established in 1919
- Truck stop chains
- United States company stubs