Bowlin Travel Centers

Bowlin Travel Centers, Inc.

Company type	Public
Industry	Convenience stores, Travel centers
Founded	1919
Headquarters	Albuquerque , United States
Area served	Southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico)
Key people	Michael L. Bowlin (CEO)
Products	Convenience store items, Native American jewelry, specialty foods, fuel (Exxon, Shell)
Revenue	$27.5 million (2023)
Number of employees	150 (2003)

Bowlin Travel Centers, Inc. is a family-operated business based in New Mexico that manages roadside convenience stores and travel centers throughout the American Southwest, with a strong presence in Arizona and New Mexico. The company's headquarters are located in Albuquerque, and it is currently under the leadership of CEO Michael L. Bowlin.

The travel centers are designed with a Southwestern "trading post" motif, evoking the style of small shops that once lined U.S. Route 66 prior to the development of the Interstate highway system. Many of these sites were originally independent establishments, known by names such as "Flying C Ranch," "Old West," "Bowlin's Running Indian," and "Continental Divide." Among these, one location called "The Thing" features a classic Route 66 sideshow attraction. The retail selection prominently includes Native American jewelry and specialty foods.

As of 2003, Bowlin operated 15 locations employing roughly 150 people across New Mexico; since then, five centers have ceased operations. Fuel is sold under Exxon or Shell branding at these sites, many of which also house fast food franchises like Dairy Queen, although the Subway outlets were discontinued in 2019.

Prior to the year 2000, the company was known as Bowlin Outdoor Advertising & Travel Centers Inc., but its Outdoor Advertising segment was divested to Lamar Advertising through a $27.2 million stock exchange.

In 2023, Bowlin reported revenues totaling $27.5 million, continuing its established role within the Southwestern market for convenience stores and travel centers.