Caldwell's Sage Travel Plaza to close on Dec. 1 after 89 years

The Sage Travel Plaza in Caldwell will close permanently on Dec. 1, ending 89 years of operation at the corner of Franklin Road. The 3.22-acre property recently sold for $5.5 million, prompting the long-anticipated shutdown of the business.

Employees had known the site was on the market for years. Cody Tipton, a four-year employee, said the team viewed the closing as the end of a good chapter. Tipton and assistant Jayce Knutson noted that the plaza served as a gathering place for generations of families in the area.

Knutson pointed to one employee who used to eat in the cafe as a child with grandparents and great-grandparents. Now an employee himself, he represents the multi-generational connection the store maintained. Tipton added that the business went beyond standard retail services to support the community in various ways.

The staff hosted parking lot yard sales to assist people with disabilities. They also provided hot showers to people experiencing homelessness. Recently, the team cared for a customer's dog for a week. Tipton said these interactions allowed the staff to show respect and care for the people around them.

The future of the site remains unclear. Rumors about demolition or new construction have circulated on social media, but neither employees nor the city have confirmed specific plans. New ownership is set to take over the property once the current lease or operations conclude.

Tipton and Knutson are already preparing for their next step. They are submitting a proposal for a 1950s-style diner focused on classic desserts. The new location will be in a lot near the old station, aiming to keep access to warm food for truckers.

Tipton invited the community to join them on their next adventure. The final day to shop or fill up at the Sage Travel Plaza is expected to be Dec. 1.