#jubitz

By Brian Farrell

I had heard about Jubitz Truck Stop in Portland, Oregon from a truck driver friend of mine a few years ago. Whenever his routes led him to the trucker’s paradise that is Jubitz, he’d take pictures, send me souvenirs and text me, “Guess where I am? You guessed it...Jubitz!” We’d laugh and it became a weird comedy bit that never got old. I now have five Jubitz trucker hats, two Jubitz coffee mugs, a Jubitz tumbler, Jubitz bottle opener, bumper stickers, and a Jubitz sweatshirt. Excessive? After visiting this past weekend, I think not.

Monroe “Moe” Jubitz founded this iconic rest stop that encapsulates Americana and comfort in 1952 with a mission to provide truckers the best in customer service and cater to all their needs. I can attest that his mission was successful. I salute you, Moe.

I stayed overnight at Jubitz’s Portlander Inn - a lovely hotel. When checking in to my room, the front desk lady, Robin, chuckled while commenting on me wearing my Jubitz trucker hat, “I see you’re all decked out in Jubitz gear.” “You betcha! I’m thrilled to be here!” I replied. Robin humored me for longer than she had to when I flooded her with questions about everything Jubitz.

Jubitz has all the basics that a traveling trucker might need or want and more; a top notch laundromat, clean showers, a post office, Jubitz has a movie theater! The Jubitz Cinema! Nosferatu was playing there when I was visiting. There’s a barber, conference rooms, a massage parlor, a truck driver museum, the Jake Brake Deli, Cascade Grill - best pancakes I’ve ever had and eggs cooked perfectly over easy, live entertainment with some of the best underground country acts at the Ponderosa Lounge and Grill, and Moe’s Deli.

The customer service there was first rate. Welcoming, friendly, informative and fun. I bought a few souvenirs to ship off to friends and I could see that I amused the fella ringing me up when I asked him if they had a gift wrapping service. They didn’t. But they should! I’ll make sure to put that on my comment card next visit. I felt like I was visiting the Disneyland of Truck Stops.

Feelings of guilt started to creep in while I was there. Imposter syndrome. That voice saying, “I’m a fraud. I’m not a truck driver. I’m just taking advantage of the best aspects of this culture - trucker life, but not putting in the work to deserve this enjoyment.” I have deep admiration and appreciation of truck drivers. Virtually everything we buy has been delivered by a truck driver. It’s a tough job, and here I am yucking it up and having fun at their place of respite. It took a close friend of mine to tell me that it’s okay that I’m here and that I’m contributing to this community by being a customer. I paid for a room, bought fudge at Moe’s Deli, bought souvenirs, and tipped well for both meals I enjoyed at the Cascade Grill. Those Jubitz burgers were tasty.

As with many things in my life that begin with me joking about it, this was no exception, I became my parody - a Jubitz fanatic. I’m not a truck driver...yet, but I sure enjoyed visiting Jubitz Truck Stop this past weekend. If you find yourself in Portland, in addition to experiencing the beautiful parks and hip city restaurants and venues, I strongly recommend paying Jubitz a visit.

Try the fudge at Moe’s Deli!