McLEAN -- Nearly $500,000 in improvements to the Dixie Travel Plaza give it a fresh look but doesn't change the down-home feeling for which it's famous, said General Manager Tina Kletz.

"We still carry Route 66 souvenirs and have the (Route 66) Hall of Fame, including old photos of other Route 66 stops," said Kletz.

Remodeling began after the business, at Exit 145 along Interstate 55, was purchased from JHT Inc. in January by Ben Gulley of LeRoy.

Remodeling is 90 percent complete and among the most visible improvements is a new awning bearing Dixie and Route 66 logos, Kletz said.

Also new is a Hunt Brothers Pizza restaurant as well as updated flooring, ceiling and lighting throughout most of the truck stop.

In addition to the visual improvements, the Dixie Tire and Repair Shop reopened July 1.

"Now, if you get a flat tire or overheat, you can get it fixed here," said Kletz.

Another improvement to the automotive side of the business includes the availability since mid-June of BP brand gas, she said.

"This is better and cleaner gas than the no-brand gas we used to have," Kletz said.