In just a few weeks construction to build a new truck stop in Audubon will begin. The facility will carry the name of Waspy’s which was sole owner Lawrence Handlos’ nickname growing up. Brian Handlos and John Anderson will serve as general managers, and Anderson says the whole format is based on what seen as a local need.
Three buildings will be erected at the 15 acre site located on the west side of Highway 71 across from the north end of the runway at the airport. Not only will the facility have high speed fueling nozzles, certified scales, and an RV dump Anderson says other amenities have been developed.
They are also investigating bringing a name brand coffee to the facility. He adds that other locations were considered for the truck stop, but Audubon offered a centralized location which will fulfill a need for both travelers and local residents.
Previously, the build site was under the supervision of Audubon County, but the land has been annexed into the city of Audubon. Anderson says the move allows the facility to acquire city water and sewer services while the city will have additional generated revenue. He adds that local residents will also feel an impact through good, permanent jobs.
Management hopes to hire at least 76 people, both full and part-time, to cover the three shifts at the 24 hour/7 day a week facility. Anderson says the owner’s focus is on keeping it local and his intentions are to use local contractors and vendors to provide construction labor, materials, as well as other supplies. Waspy’s truck stop is planned to open and be fully operational by the summer of 2016.
