BRISTOL — For Harpreet “Monte” Singh, his new truck stop at the intersection of U.S. 20 and Ind. 15, just south of Bristol is his castle, 14 years in the making.
Singh owns the Middlebury-based American Petroleum Inc., which operates five gas stations under the Gallops name. His newest, a massive medieval-themed plaza opened earlier this month.
“I was always fascinated by the regal-looking buildings,” he said. “And just like fashions keep coming back, I just wanted to do something new. It was a concept that came in my mind and I just wanted to work on it. We just wanted to get all the things like gasoline, diesel, fast food, convenience items, beer and wine.”
According to Singh, the flagship store of his business has been in the works for 14 years and he’s proud to show off his shiny new store while deflecting the credit for his business success to his business partners, including his wife, Simran, who works as the vice president and secretary of the company, and construction manager Nate Yoder.
Singh recognizes the prime location for the store, which he notes sees 33,000 vehicles pass it every year and adds that it’s located right between Middlebury and Elkhart to the east and west, and Bristol and Goshen to the north and south. He hopes to serve all of those communities.
The 23,000-square-foot store opened earlier this month and includes a full retail convenience store that is now open, 11 shower rooms to serve travelers, a Subway that could open as soon as this week, a McDonald’s that is scheduled to open Sept. 25 and a café that will serve gourmet coffee drinks and pastries that will also open next month.
Outside there are 24 gas pumps and 12 diesel pumps already serving customers.
Singh wants locals and travelers alike to come and enjoy his store, where they can sit in the plethora of leather couches and easy chairs, sip on some Sumatran coffee and enjoy the free Wi-Fi.
After 14 years, Singh takes great pride in his new castle.
“It’s a dream come true,” he said. “This has been a fulfilling process.”