For years, travel centers across America have struggled with a reputation for being unappealing destinations, often seen merely as functional stops for professional drivers with less-than-desirable food options. However, Victron Energy Inc. is revolutionizing this perception with Texas Best Smokehouse, its innovative chain of travel centers and convenience stores. These aren’t just pit stops; they are destinations in themselves, offering an authentic Texas experience through homemade barbecue, a wide array of award-winning exotic jerky, and premium private-label goods, all within a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
“Our vision is to offer every customer—from long-haul truckers to families on road trips and local commuters—an unforgettable taste of Texas,” explains Mohammed Sharaf, Vice President of Development at Texas Best Smokehouse. “Whether it’s the warm Texas greeting of ‘Howdy, welcome to Texas Best,’ the first bite of our mouthwatering barbecue, the discovery of unique jerky flavors, or finding the perfect Texas-themed gift, we aim to encapsulate the genuine spirit of Texas in every visit.”
Texas Best Smokehouse, the brainchild of Mohammed’s father, Ali, began less than a decade ago with a single convenience store, evolving from Ali’s entrepreneurial spirit after moving from Syria to the U.S. in 1986. The brand has rapidly expanded, recently celebrating the opening of its eighth and ninth locations in Henrietta and Dallas, with plans to launch two more within the next year and a half. All Texas Best Travel Centers operate around the clock, 24/7, ensuring they are always ready to serve travelers.
One of the upcoming Texas Best Travel Center locations is particularly noteworthy, situated in Grapevine, Texas, near popular attractions like Great Wolf Lodge and Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center. This location will be the first to feature an outdoor patio for a more relaxed experience and will also introduce the brand’s first tunnel car wash, adding extra convenience for travelers.
“We are highly responsive to customer feedback, constantly adjusting our merchandise and food offerings to meet their desires,” Mohammed states. “While the core Texas Best Smokehouse experience—characterized by exceptional customer service and pristine facilities—remains consistent, we tailor each location to resonate with the local community. We consciously avoid a one-size-fits-all approach.”
For example, the Henrietta travel center, spanning 17,000 square feet, is designed with distinct Texas and Southwestern décor to create an authentic ambiance. It houses four distinct dining options, open until 10 PM daily, ranging from familiar favorites like Steak ‘n Shake, Auntie Anne’s, and Cinnabon, to the signature homestyle Texas Best BBQ.
“Many people might expect typical ‘gas station barbecue,’ but we are committed to providing restaurant-quality food, whether you choose to dine in or take out,” Mohammed clarifies. “We often see customers who come specifically to enjoy a meal and the inviting atmosphere, which is something we are delighted to offer.”
A standout product at Texas Best Travel Centers is their award-winning jerky. Texas Best Smokehouse has gained recognition for its impressive selection of exotic jerky, including venison, bison, elk, and even more adventurous choices like python, kangaroo, rabbit, crocodile, and crawfish. This jerky is produced in their dedicated facility in Italy, Texas, ensuring quality and consistency.
Beyond jerky and barbecue, Texas Best Travel Centers offer a range of amenities designed to enhance the travel experience:
- Private label fudge
- Gourmet candies, snacks, jams, nuts, wines, and energy drinks
- Diesel and gasoline fuel
- Freshly brewed coffee
- Premium facilities for truckers
- Unique souvenir gifts
“We aspire to create a memorable stop for our customers, a place they’ll recall fondly from their travels across the country,” Mohammed concludes. “We want them to say, ‘Traveling from Florida to California, we discovered this incredible Texas-style Smokehouse—a large, welcoming place right off the interstate. Inside, they had amazing barbecue, unique jams, and specialty meats.’ This is the distinctive and positive experience we are dedicated to providing.”
