STRATTANVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – On Friday afternoon, the University Korner Travel Center officially opened its doors with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting using oversized scissors, marking a remarkable revival 17 years after the Strattanville All American Travel Plaza closed.

The grand opening brought together state representatives, a state senator, Clarion County Commissioners, economic development representatives, and local community members. They celebrated the culmination of four years of hard work and commitment to a project representing millions of dollars in investment.

University Korner, a small family-owned business, launched its first gas station and convenience store in 2009 and has consistently expanded, now operating nine stations in Western Pennsylvania. The Strattanville Travel Center is the company’s first truck stop, reflecting a bold step forward.

“We are thrilled to have you here for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the grand opening of the University Korner Strattanville Truck Stop,” said Sohail Butt, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer, and one of the owners of UK.

“It was a significant investment—millions of dollars. Let me emphasize that construction costs have nearly tripled since COVID-19, underscoring the scale of our commitment.”

“The planning phase lasted about three years, and we are proud that our dream has finally taken shape. Working with the outstanding local contractor Amos Rudolph, we brought our vision to life in just nine to ten months, a testament to what dedication can achieve.”

The project embodies the spirit of community and the company’s mission to enhance the experience for local residents, travelers, and the trucking community, according to Butt.

The UK is optimistic that the new facility will facilitate interstate commerce and fulfill long-haul travelers’ needs. The local community is invited to experience the diverse offerings, which include Jimmy John’s Surry and Grill, the Indian Street Food Outlet, Dunkin’, a unique salt room, and various shops and facilities.

“We are also excited to announce plans for a dog park and a children’s area,” Butt continued. “As summer approaches, we aim to revive the spirit of this location, which once thrived as an All-American Travel Plaza. Our vision is to establish this as a central hub operating 24 hours a day. We encourage everyone to join us in celebrating our success and the progress of our community and Pennsylvania.”

Economic Development

The travel center aligns seamlessly with Clarion County’s economic development goals, representing a beacon of hope and investment.

“We are excited about the investment from University Korner and the momentum it continues to build,” said Jared Heuer, Executive Director of the Clarion County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC).

“A noteworthy highlight is that this site was previously a brownfield. Thanks to state funding in 2019 and 2020, we assessed the environmental conditions in collaboration with the Miles brothers, opening new doors for reuse and redevelopment.

“The successful transformation we witness today is a testament to that program and the relentless dedication to brownfield remediation. None of this would be possible without University Korner’s belief in Clarion County as a prime location for business, and we wholeheartedly celebrate their investment here,” Heuer continued.

The UK Plaza has already begun to attract favorable attention from the public.

“We are receiving fantastic feedback from local residents…Additionally, we are seeing increased traffic from interstate travelers,” said Yasir Bhatti, president and chief executive officer.

Bhatti expressed relief at seeing construction close, signifying new beginnings.

“This allows us to focus on our vision rather than being on-site all day. While this winter has brought challenges, we embrace them as opportunities to open a convenience store and a large truck stop.

“Despite experiencing a few snow days, we are committed to ensuring a smooth operation, even though some tasks remain to be completed.”

While the number of travel centers seems to be growing, Bhatti believes UK Strattanville offers a unique and welcoming experience.

“It features an open, inviting space that resembles a food court rather than traditional truck stops with isolated shower areas. The positive reviews speak for themselves; people genuinely enjoy their experience here.”

UK is a forward-looking company poised for growth and new horizons.

When asked about a possible new UK station located at 201 Broad Street in New Bethlehem, Yasir smiled and said, “We’ll take a moment to settle in after the travel center is complete, and then we’ll strategize our next steps, exploring new opportunities in New Bethlehem.”

Building a Team

Yasir, Sohail, and Chief Operating Officer Ahmed Bilal all believe that a strong team is the foundation of success, as shown by their extensive hiring efforts related to the opening of the Strattanville Travel Center.

“We are committed to hiring anyone eager to work,” said Yasir.

Sohail recognized the challenges in finding help today but added, “We are determined to build a great team that embodies our vision.”

Ahmed oversees the operations of all UK stores, including supply chain management, vendor management, and human resources, creating a united front for success.

More than Just Gas

Ahmed owns Clarion Cigar and Clarion House Tea House on Fifth Avenue. He is also a co-owner of University Korner with his brother-in-law Yasir Bhatti and Sohail.

Ahmed founded Clarion Cigar and Pipe on Main Street. Unfortunately, the adjacent building, which housed the original Bob’s Sub burned down last year. The current location on Fifth Avenue was previously the site of the POGO Appliance store. Sohail said there are no plans to develop Clarion Cigar and Pipe on the Main Street location.

Beyond their gas stations, the group has also purchased a church building in Monroe Township, which they converted into a vibrant community center, significantly impacting the area.

Yasir stated, “Everyone is welcome to join us in this exciting endeavor.”

Additionally, they acquired a sizeable amount of land outside Knox, now featuring cricket fields and practice areas. This location is also home to the Clarion County Eagles, an American cricket franchise that competes nationally.

UK Leaders

Sohail Butt, Ahmed Bilal, and Yasir Bhatti.

Yasir Bhatti, President & Chief Executive Officer

Yasir has served as President and CEO since the organization, starting the UK franchise from a single store in Pennsylvania approximately 15 years ago. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (2004) and Industrial Management (2005) from Purdue University in Indiana. Before founding the UK business, he worked at Ingersoll Rand in North Carolina, providing business solutions to industrial customers.

Sohail Butt, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer

Sohail joined the company in 2021. Before this, he worked with various financial institutions and firms in executive audit and business consultant roles, including Ernst & Young, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Goldman Sachs in New York. Sohail earned his Bachelor’s degree in accounting (1994) from Florida International University in Miami, Florida. He is a Certified Public Accountant (1995) in both New York and Pennsylvania and holds the designation of Chartered Global Management Accountant.

Ahmed Bilal, Chief Operating Officer

Ahmed has 15 years of experience in retail and food service, overseeing the operations of all UK stores, including supply chain, vendor management, and human resources. He is an alumnus of Middlesex College in Edison, N.J.

Strattanville Truck Stop History

The plaza closed on March 21, 2008, due to “substantial, continuing losses.” The truck stop opened in 1982 as part of the Unocal 76 Auto Truck Stop Network. In 1994, it became known as the Triple J Fuel Stop. Several years later, the Johnston family purchased and operated the facility independently under the Keystone Shortway Travel Center banner until April 2004, when All American Plazas Incorporated acquired it.