Since Overdrive covered the outside-the-box approach of the new Truckers Paradise truck stop's owners in late August, a report from KXII in Sherman, Texas, noted some of the Gainesville, Texas, truck stop's employees hadn't been receiving paychecks.
Inquiries placed by Overdrive to a number for Truckers Paradise CEO Dean Ash went unreturned as of the morning of Friday, September 26, but Ash offered the following statement to KXII, as published there Tuesday, September 23.
Truckers Paradise was created to provide truck drivers with the quality amenities that are too often missing in the industry. Repurposing a former outlet mall into this one-of-a-kind facility has proven to be a larger and more complex undertaking than originally anticipated.
Recently, one of our investors faced unforeseen personal circumstances that temporarily slowed the flow of funding. While our remaining partners are working to bridge this gap, the situation has unfortunately resulted in a delay to payroll. We deeply regret the impact this has had on our employees, and ensuring they are paid remains our highest priority.
We are grateful for the dedication of our team members who continue to support drivers during this time, and we sincerely apologize for the hardship this has caused.
Additionally, we want to be clear that any threats made toward the company, staff, or leadership are being taken seriously and are being addressed with the appropriate authorities.
Former and current employees told KXII they were called into a meeting last week Friday that delivered news that no one would be paid that week. Checks then didn't come Monday this week as promised, prompting some to contact media.
Overdrive calls to the main line to Truckers Paradise and its Paradise Mart manager both also went unanswered and a message left unreturned as of Friday morning. This social media account for Truckers Paradise was active as of yesterday, however, with other recent posts showing the Sbarro's location reopening after equipment upgrades and showcasing free parking at the expansive site. The stop features mobile fueling and other features uncommon to other truck stops.
The Truckers Paradise lot features these spacious pull-through spots.
Ash laid out his team's vision for the stop in August as a "frictionless environment where [truckers] just don’t have to think," he said, where "when they go off the clock … they’re really in a completely separate world. It’s really like a five-star resort kind of thing where things are done for them, they don’t have to think. They can just be a real person.”
[Related: New mega truck stop aims for unforgettable experience]
