Atlanta Truck Stop groundbreaking jump starts local economy

 

[May 01, 2020] 

On Tuesday, April 28, Bishap and Sean Patel of Harikrishna, LLC signed papers for the building permit of the truck stop project in Atlanta. Immediately afterward a ceremonial groundbreaking took place on site.

Harikrishna Principal Bishop Patel signing the building permit.

Harikrishna's Sean Patel and Atlanta Mayor Adam McVey with the permit standing in front of project drawing.

The Patels looking at the permit.

In December 2019 Harikrishna, LLC of Jacksonville, IL completed its purchase of seven+ acres from the city of Atlanta. The sale was a final step needed by Harikrishna to begin construction of a $5.8 million truck stop at the I-55 interstate interchange on Atlanta’s east side.

The facility designed to serve truck drivers and automobiles will include a convenience store, Dairy Queen restaurant, and car wash. Harikrishna principal Bishap Patel said he recently had a conference call with DQ and is working to finalize details with some of the other businesses.

This project has been in the works for several years. The Logan County Economic Development Partnership [LCEDP] began work on it in October 2015 after the city of Atlanta purchased 15 acres at the I-55 interchange.

Atlanta Mayor Adam McVey said that same year, the City Council voted to develop the 15 acres in hopes of bringing in businesses that would benefit the community and county.

Sean and Bishap Patel talking with Bill Thomas.

Bill Thomas of the LCEDP said they approached the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council to ask about developers. The GPEDC recommended Mr. Jeff Geibelhausen of East Peoria.

In 2016, the city of Atlanta hired Mr. Geibelhausen to recruit potential project developers.

In spring 2017, Mr. Bishap Patel proposed the truck stop project.

Harikrishna, LLC is a family owned company with two hotels in Jacksonville, a liquor store in Henry and two gas stations in St. Louis.

The company was looking to start more businesses and learned about the location through their fuel supplier who said it would be a good spot for a truck stop. They worked with Mr. Geibelhausen on developing the site.

The Patels said they are excited to finally get started on the project.

Atlanta Business Development Lead and Alderman Dale Colaw, lead contractor John Boll, Sean Patel, Bishap Patel, LCEDP Director Bill Thomas and Atlanta Mayor Adam McVey.

John Boll (second from left above) of CSI Management in Quincy, Illinois is the head contractor and they began moving dirt this week.

Bishap Patel said the anticipated timeline for the project is 160-180 days barring any delays.

The company anticipates hiring thirty to forty employees, including managers. It will be the largest private employer in the community.

Thomas said they hope to have a job fair soon.

At this time, no date has been set for a grand opening.

[Angela Reiners]

Related

03/07/2019 - Large new retail business complex to break ground in Atlanta this spring
Complex includes Truck Stop, Convenience Store, Car Wash, and Dairy Queen Grill and Chill

12/14/2019 - Land Purchase Moves Atlanta Truck Stop Project Forward