FARGO – Popeyes, a franchise known for its spicy New Orleans-style chicken, is making its way north to Fargo. The restaurant will move into the space formerly occupied by The Iron Skillet in the Petro Travel Center.

Petro operations manager Deanne Schatz said Popeyes is one of three fast-food franchises expected to move in, but negotiations are ongoing with the other two. A message placed to Popeyes to confirm was not returned Tuesday.

Schatz said the idea is to provide a food court setting that will be attractive to truck drivers, travelers and the community.

While she’s sad to see the Iron Skillet close after nearly 20 years, Schatz said it is increasingly difficult for a family restaurant to remain profitable today.

“It seems like society is more geared towards the convenience,” she said. “It’s sad, but people aren’t taking the time to sit down and eat.”

Plans are also underway to open a beer and wine bar and grill called “The Dolly Down,” which is specifically geared toward truck drivers hoping to sit down for a more traditional meal.

The biggest change overall is that none of the locations will serve food 24 hours a day.

“We’re not going to have someone standing over a grill 24 hours a day anymore. We just can’t afford it,” Schatz said. “The labor force in Fargo is demanding higher wages and something has got to give.”

She said the travel center will continue to offer traditional gas station fare 24 hours a day.

The menus are not the only big change underway at Petro. Schatz said the 15-year-old gas pumps and underground pipes are being replaced this summer. She said the change is both for cosmetic reasons and to make the credit card machines compliant.

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