San Antonio Flying J travel center destroyed by fire rises from the ashes

SAN ANTONIO – A popular travel center and truck stop on San Antonio's far east side is back in business after a devastating and destructive fire.

Flying J, located near Interstate 10 and Foster Road, quietly reopened about six months ago.

The business burned to the ground in December 2022 due to a fire that broke out in the Denny's restaurant attached to it.

The fire caused huge flames which attracted the attention of people near and far from the site.

“Luckily, we didn't have any serious injuries throughout this ordeal,” said Kam Watkins, regional director of Pilot Flying J, reflecting on the day.

Watkins, who was not present when the fire broke out, recalled later arriving at what remained: a pile of smoldering rubble.

Meanwhile, Kristina Balderas, who at the time ran a small deli inside the convenience store, had arrived on scene while the fire was active.

“I was driving to work and I got a call that there may have been a fire in the store,” Balderas said. “I was really sad. I didn't really know what to think at that moment. »

While it was clear that the building she worked in was gone, Balderas worried about her own future for a few minutes.

However, Watkins said the company, which has more than a half-dozen stores in San Antonio, quickly intervened and assured employees they would be taken care of following the fire.

Balderas said some workers have been offered opportunities at other Flying J or Pilot locations.

With the reopening of the store, some members of the old team returned.

“About 35 percent are still in that store,” Watkins said.

The store itself, however, is very different.

Watkins enthusiastically highlighted the new changes during a tour she gave to KSAT on Thursday. She called it a complete rebuild.

“We tore the whole thing down, tore it down and rebuilt the whole building,” she said.

Drivers of big trucks can still stop for a shower or a meal, although there is now a full-service deli instead of a Denny's.

The store also offers several new self-checkouts.

“Our professional drivers don’t have time to wait,” Watkins said.

Even with all the new offerings, some workers said something is missing — some of the older customers.

“Several guests don’t know we’re open again,” Balderas said. “There are a few that we really miss, that we haven’t seen.”

Their return would be the ultimate comeback for Balderas, a heartwarming end to a fiery ordeal.

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