Aug 28, 2015

Valley Forge Service Plaza Grand Opening Marks Finale of Turnpike Redevelopment Initiative Project

HMSHost completes renovations of 17 service plazas along the PA Turnpike

WAYNE, PA — Rehabilitation of Valley Forge Service Plaza is now complete and global restaurateur HMSHost is pleased to announce the reopening of the establishment to travelers of the Pennsylvania Turnpike just in time for Labor Day weekend. The opening of Valley Forge marks the completion of the turnpike’s 17-plaza redevelopment initiative. Valley Forge now welcomes travelers with HMSHost’s first ever Starbucks drive-thru. Completed in partnership with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and Sunoco, the site’s renewal includes upgraded fueling facilities, realignment and resurfacing of parking areas, new landscaping, and new lighting. Travelers can access Valley Forge on the eastbound side of the PA Turnpike at milepost 324.6 at exit 326.

“Restoring the Service Plazas on the Pennsylvania Turnpike has been a very rewarding experience and we are so happy to be celebrating the opening of Valley Forge with our partners at the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and Sunoco. HMSHost has been operating on the Pennsylvania Turnpike for many years and we are thrilled to start a new chapter with this brand new building that we know travelers will enjoy,” said Amy Dunne, Vice President of Business Development at HMSHost. “We’re also very excited to expand the availability of Starbucks with a drive-thru.”

With many people taking long road trips over the summer, Starbucks will be a welcome sight on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Whether you enjoy a Vanilla Latte, a Caramel Frappuccino, or just a hot cup of freshly brewed Caffe Verona, Starbucks is America’s beloved caffeine fix. And with a selection of baked goods and sandwiches, Starbucks has something for everyone. Starbucks isn’t new to coffee-lovers, however now travelers can get their coffee without even leaving their vehicles. The drive-thru serves as a quick stop when you’re on the move and need a little something to satisfy your hunger or thirst.

Renovations to Valley Forge Service Plaza were made possible by a 30-year, public-private redevelopment initiative with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, HMSHost and Sunoco Inc. Under the contracts, HMSHost committed to revitalizing 17 plazas with new, larger buildings that would offer updated food and merchandise. Sunoco also invested in redeveloping the service stations and convenience stores. The Valley Forge Service Plaza is the final plaza to be reconstructed after the recent North Midway and Peter J. Camiel Plaza renovations earlier this year and last year. The completion of these renovations at Valley Forge marks the finale of the larger Redevelopment Initiative.

“This public-private partnership with HMSHost and Sunoco that was launched in 2006 has not only benefited our customers with updated facilities, it has allowed us to concentrate on what we do best – making smoother, safer highways,” says Craig Shuey, Chief Operating Officer for the Pa. Turnpike Commission.

The completion of this project not only marks an achievement for the turnpike as a whole but also symbolizes its transition into a modern age that caters to travelers in more innovative, efficient, and green ways than ever. HMSHost has played a paramount role in facilitating this transition, reinforces the company tagline of ensuring travelers are always feeling good on the move.

HMSHost now employs 36 new associates at Valley Forge and 1,123 associates on the turnpike overall.