Mid-Tenn Travel Plaza in Cookeville, Tennessee has been a fixture at I-40 Exit 288 since 1977. Originally Tiny Town, an independent operation, it was a Mid-Continent location from 1980 – 1992, when it returned to independent status as Mid-Tenn Auto -Truck Plaza. A prominent member of both NATSO and NATSN, Mid-Tenn continues to evolve as an independent in the travel stop business, catering to OTR drivers, the traveling public and loyal local customers.

Mid-Tenn pioneered the retail sale of bio-diesel in middle Tennessee, dedicating 4 out of 5 diesel aisles to the product. They have been strong supporters of the environmentally friendly alternative fuel.

Mid-Tenn has been a regular stop for truckers for three decades. In addition to General Lee's BBQ, the travel plaza offers a Boot and Shoe Outlet, a well-stocked, spacious convenience store, an extra large parking lot, showers, TV, and a fascinating display of Civil War memorabilia.

The Boot and Shoe Outlet contains over 4000 pairs of brand name boots and shoes at discount prices for the whole family. You can also find belts, clothes, jackets, shoe care products and souvenirs. Don't let us forget the cowboy hats and ball caps!

For OTR pros, Mid-Tenn rolls out the red carpet. A minimum 50-gallon fuel purchase provides drivers with free permitted parking, a free shower and a free tractor wash. The same fuel purchase waives check cashing and cash advance fees. The Parking Permit gets them a free coffee or fountain drink when they leave. NATSN VIP Card holders are awarded points for every gallon purchased, and they always have the chance to win cash or discount coupons.

During the Mid-Continent days, Mid-Tenn developed a reputation as a "good place to eat" with The General Lee, an award winning restaurant that eventually gave way to a Subway franchise in 1993. Subway became a magnet for the health-conscious among us looking for a decent sandwich. Over the years, though, truckers continued to stop at Mid-Tenn looking for The General Lee.

In April '07, the Subway franchise closed unexpectedly, setting the stage for The General Lee's resurrection. On July 10th a year ago, Mid-Tenn began cooking and serving General Lee's BBQ fresh from the smoker 24-7-365.

"We had an oven-cooked deli menu for the C-store, and losing the Subway hurt," explained Mid-Tenn General Manager Skip Ramsaur. "We decided to start smoking BBQ to recover the business. That decision has been one of our best. I've eaten BBQ all my life, and General Lee's is the best I've ever had. Drivers from all over the country agree. We frequently ask our customers how their food is, and they are very complimentary."

General Lee's serves hickory-smoked beef, pork and chicken to eat in or take out, by the pound or by the sandwich, including baby-back ribs, pork tenderloin, half chickens or pieces, BBQ or hot wings, turkey legs, polish sausage and catfish. Sides include baked beans, cole slaw, potato or macaroni salad, potato wedges and rolls. Bulk orders are welcome with 24 hours notice.

"More than a few customers call ahead for General Lee's Treasure Chest, a cooler full of fresh hickory-smoked pulled pork, chicken wings, sides, bread and the General's signature sauce," says Ramsaur. "We even throw in a gallon of General Lee's refreshing natural spring water, fresh from Kentucky’s Daniel Boone National Forest. It's a heck of a deal for $32.95…probably feeds 6-8 people."

Mid-Tenn Travel Plaza is at 1750 Salem Rd in Cookeville, TN. Take exit 288 on I-40, and turn south on Highway 111. The travel plaza is within a quarter-mile of the expressway. Mid-Tenn welcomes customers 24 hours, 7 days a week, and General Lee's is always cooking. Call 931-526-3314.