Boondocks is Getting a Makeover

The Jay Brothers Truck Stop at Williams Iowa, formerly known as Boondoocks, is currently in the process of being renovated. The hotel has been torn down, and the interior of the restaurant has been gutted and is being reframed. An array of light pole bases have been installed around the perimeter of the lot, and the old paving is being removed. As to what is planned for the site, we've been unable to reach the owners for comment at this time.

The iconic Boondocks truck stop closed its doors in October 2018 after owners Bob and Miriam Welch decided to retire after operating it for 45 years. An auction was held in November 2018 for the 16.41 ac site with 30 unit hotel and restaurant/truckstop with all equipment, and the property was sold to a California company.

When the company was unable to close on the sale, the property was offered to the next highest bidders, Harry and Shelley Chaudhari of Overton, Nebraska, DBA Arbuda, Inc, and became a Jay Brothers Truck Stop in July 2019.

The Chadhauris also operated Jay Brothers Truck Stops in West Liberty and two other locations in Nebraska and Kansas. Some upgrades were done after the purchase, but the restaurant did not fully reopen, and the folksy, whimsical objects placed by the Welchs remained.

On March 1, 2024 ownership of the property transferred to Williams LLC, based in Manteca, CA. Williams LLC was formed in January of 2024 by Manraj Samra and Gurbaksh Prewal. The business closed to the public sometime in late 2024 or early 2025.

Hamilton County does not require building permits so a site plan is not currently available, but from the looks of it, it's going to be a much larger truck stop.