Owner Mike Nichols of the newly opened Big Chief’s truck stop on Smith Road briefed the Warren City Council on Monday, June 8, about early sales, hiring and expansion plans.
Nichols said the business was built to keep fuel purchases and tax dollars in Warren. It employs 35 people, runs 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. with plans to move to 24-hour service, and reported that its Chester’s Chicken restaurant set a company opening-day sales record about 40% above the prior mark. He also said Big Chief’s would provide breakfast for the Warren Lumberjack football team and planned July 4 zero-turn mower giveaways.
Mayor Gregg Reep said the stop should lift sales-tax collections. The same meeting heard outdoor-recreation grant plans for the city pool, a near-complete new well northeast of town from Warren Water and Sewer, Pink Tomato Festival street prep, and a condemnation motion for property at Shields and Main.
