Morris , IL , on Interstate 80 is not losing the “ R Place ” truck stop, but the Grundy County city might build a new restaurant and land a Target store on nearby undeveloped land.

An “ R Place ” spokeswoman told Land Line Thursday, Dec. 1, the existing restaurant and truck stop – a popular place because of its 120 parking spots for trucks – is in an expansion frame of mind.

An owner-operator concerned the truck stop might close and be replaced by a Target store prompted Land Line to check into the situation.

The truck stop spokeswoman said she understood there was speculation among the patrons, and she could confirm “ R Place ” was still going to be their place.

“Target is looking to build here,” she said. “But a Target store is not going to replace a restaurant. That would be apples and oranges.”

The interchange also includes a nearby Costco, which provides a lot of truck-stop business.

A possible deal between Target and “ R Place ” management could be signed early in the new year, the spokeswoman said. She did not wish to be identified because the deal has not been finalized.

“Everything about that is still unclear,” she said.

– By David Tanner, staff writer
david_tanner@landlinemag.com