WICHITA, Kan.— Travelers on the Kansas Turnpike will have new food options at four of the six service areas located on the 236-mile roadway, according to a media release from the KDA.
In addition to changes at the Emporia Service Area, recent request for proposals from quick-service vendors also prompt the following changes:
- Towanda Service Area, (I-35/KTA mile marker 65) changes to a Subway and Dairy Queen
- Matfield Green Service Area (I-35/KTA mile marker 97) changes to a Subway and Dairy Queen
- Topeka Service Area (I-70/KTA mile marker 188) changes to a McDonald’s.
“Providing solid traveler services is important to KTA and we’re glad this change can happen prior to becoming a cashless roadway in 2024,” said Steve Hewitt, KTA’s CEO. “Thanks to feedback provided by customers, we have a better understanding of their expectations which helps when selecting quality partners.”
Existing restaurants at the Towanda, Matfield Green and Topeka Service Areas will close at 11 p.m. April 14, 2023 to accommodate remodeling of the restaurant space. Remodeling of the Emporia Service Area restaurant is currently underway as that restaurant closed in mid-March. Convenience stores at the affected service areas will temporarily provide additional food items during the remodel process.
Schedule permitting, the new restaurants will tentatively open as listed below.
- Emporia Service Area (Subway and Taco John’s): drive thru - mid-May; dine in - early June.
- Towanda and Matfield Green Service Areas (Subway and Dairy Queen): drive thru - late June; dine in - mid-July.
- Topeka Service Area (McDonald's): drive thru - mid-August; dine in - early September.
Progress on remodel efforts will be part of KTA’s construction report published monthly in KTA’s electronic newsletter, Turnpike Times, and included in the monthly Construction News email. Individuals can sign up to receive one or both publications here: https://www.ksturnpike.com/communication.