The Love’s Travel Stop opening in Knoxville will not open it’s doors as early as first thought.
A Love’s public relations official tells WGIL the truck stop is now expected to open sometime in early 2017.
Initially, Real Estate Manager William Gleason said Love’s had plans to open by Thanksgiving of this year, though construction was weather pending.
The truck stop will fill 15 acres just south of Interstate 74 along Knox Highway 9 and will include Chester’s Fried Chicken and Subway restaurants in addition to the truck lot, fueling stations and convenience store.
The project has been in the works for some time, with Knox County selling the land to Love’s who was then annexed into Knoxville.
Knoxville City Council held a ground breaking in April and since then, construction has been underway. Currently gas pumps and early infrastructure can be seen in place at the work site.
A hotel is expected to be built at some point and though not confirmed, a Godfathers Pizza was rumored to be in discussion as a third restaurant– that according to acting Knoxville Mayor Dennis Maurer.
Earlier this month, Knoxville aldermen voted to waive the sewer and water permit fee for Love’s which was approved.
