KNOXVILLE, TENN. - Pilot Travel Centers (PTC) President James A. Haslam III announced today the opening of Pilot's first international location in Tilbury, Ontario, Canada.

This is Pilot's 271st travel center and is located about 45 miles east of Detroit on Canada's Highway 401 at Exit 56.

"Both Canadian and American travelers, Tilbury residents and fleet customers will welcome having a Pilot Travel Center just around the corner," Haslam said. "We expect this will be an excellent food and fuel stop and will enhance our ability to serve new and existing Pilot customers."

Pilot acquired the travel center from an individual operating the center as 56 Travel Center. PTC will renovate the interior; relocate three gasoline and seven diesel fuel islands; and add approximately 60 parking spaces.

The new location includes a Subway Restaurant, which will open in about 45 days, an ATM, gourmet coffees featuring "Kenya King" and a deli. Western Union and audio book rentals will be added in a few months.

"We believe the Pilot sign will be a welcome sight for weary, hungry travelers and over-the-road drivers. They'll want to pull off to fill up, refresh and sample some of our featured food items," said Steve Schultz, manager of Pilot's Region 24 which now includes Tilbury. "Our new fountain drink bar features a variety of flavor splashes, a wide selection of Pilot's best-anywhere gourmet coffees, Oscar Mayer hot dogs, and other fresh food items."

The travel center's general manager is Jay Shoffer. The Subway manager is Jon Mitchell.

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., Pilot operates 271 travel centers across the United States and 39 convenience stores in Tennessee.