KITTERY, Maine – Irving Oil announced today that it will become the new owner of Howell’s Truck Stop on the Route 1 Bypass, effective Jan. 15. The site will be renovated this spring and operate under Irving’s well-known Bluecanoe banner.

 

The fully renovated Bluecanoe is scheduled to open by summer 2008. In the meantime, the convenience store will be open for business and the location will continue to offer customers Irving’s clean low-sulphur gas and ultra-low sulphur diesel during the construction phase.

 

“For years, Howell’s has been the preferred destination for local residents and long-distance drivers alike, and we at Irving will continue that tradition with our new Bluecanoe store,” said Harry Hadiaris, Director of Retail Operations for Irving Oil. “We hope new and returning customers will visit the site and experience the fresh, clean atmosphere that our Bluecanoe stores are so well-known for.”

 

The renovated truck stop will have six automated fueling lanes, 84 parking spaces for tractor trailers, complimentary Wi-Fi, an Amato’s Italian Restaurant franchise, a convenience store offering fresh baked goods and gourmet coffee, and a lounge and showers for truck drivers. In addition, there will be 29 parking spots for cars, and four spots set aside for RV parking.

 

“Given Irving’s commitment to clean, attractive service stations, I’m confident they will continue my family’s tradition of great service at a great location,” said owner Jim Howell. The Howell family has owned and operated the site since the early 1950s.

 

A recent study undertaken by the Maine Department of Transportation estimated there was an unmet need for overnight truck parking in the southern portion of the state. The Kittery location now has up to 400 trucks stopping at it on peak days. Irving also operates truck stops in Bow, New Hampshire and Auburn, Maine.

 

All employees currently working at Howell’s will have the option to continue working for Irving once ownership changes.

 

“We would like to say thank you to the Howell family, who have served motorists and professional drivers so well for so many years” said Hadiaris. “We’re looking forward to serving the people of Kittery, and all the customers who have long visited this location for a hot meal and a friendly stopping place.”  

 

Irving Oil opened its first New England service station in 1972, in Bangor, Maine. Today there are more than 130 Irving-operated retail sites in the United States. 

 

Founded in 1924, Irving Oil is a regional refining and marketing company serving customers in New England and Eastern Canada with a range of finished energy products, including gasoline, diesel, home heating fuel, lubricants, jet fuel and complementary products and services. The company's network of Bluecanoe and Mainway convenience stores throughout New England and Eastern Canada offers customers a wide variety of products and services, including grocery and snack items, bakeries and convenience items in addition to fuel. Irving Oil is the first oil company to win a USEPA Clean Air Excellence award for its low sulphur gasoline. For more information, visit www.irvingoil.com.

Media Contact:

 

Lars Trodson

Public Affairs, Irving Oil

603-422-9650, ext. 327