About Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores: History, Growth, and Services

Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is one of the largest family-owned travel stop networks in the United States, known for its expansive network of convenience stores, fuel stations, and services catering to motorists and professional truck drivers. Founded in 1964 by Tom and Judy Love, the company has grown from a single leased filling station in Watonga, Oklahoma, into a nationwide powerhouse with more than 640 locations across 42 states.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, tracing its origins, growth trajectory, core services, and strategic vision for the future.

The Founding and Early Growth

Love’s started as Musket Corporation in 1964 when Tom and Judy Love leased an abandoned gas station in Watonga, Oklahoma, for $5,000. Capitalizing on innovative ideas like self-service gasoline and combining convenience retail with fueling, they opened the first Love’s Country Store in Guymon in 1972.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the company expanded rapidly across Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and neighboring states, opening numerous locations that combined fuel, convenience items, and fresh food.

In 1981, Love’s opened its first true “travel stop” on Interstate 40 in Amarillo, Texas, targeting professional truck drivers in addition to regular motorists. This strategic shift propelled Love’s growth in the highway travel sector.

Expansion and Innovations

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Love’s expanded its footprint nationwide, adding fast-food franchises, investing in truck maintenance services, and continually upgrading facilities. Key milestones included:

• Opening over 500 locations by 2019

• Adding popular restaurant brands including Arby’s, Subway, and Dunkin’

• Launching Fresh Kitchen, a proprietary program offering fresh, made-to-order food

• Acquiring 20 Pilot Travel Centers and six Flying J locations to expand coverage

• Building Speedco and Love’s Truck Care centers specializing in vehicle maintenance

The company embraced innovation with mobile apps like Love’s Connect for fuel payments and reservations, and began integrating electric vehicle charging stations into travel stops.

Core Offerings and Services

Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores provide comprehensive offerings that make them a preferred stop for diverse travelers:

• Fuel: Gasoline, diesel, electric charging, and alternative fuels

• Convenience Stores: Snacks, beverages, travel essentials, and Fresh Kitchen food

• Dining: Multiple fast-food outlets and expanded menu options

• Truck Services: Tire repair, oil changes, and general maintenance at Speedco and Truck Care centers

• Traveler Amenities: Showers, laundry services, dog parks, ample parking, and CAT scales

• Loyalty Program: Rewards through Love’s Connect app for savings and exclusive offers

Commitment to Family Values and Quality

Love’s remains privately owned and family-operated, holding fast to the values of integrity, customer focus, and exceptional service established by Tom and Judy Love. The company emphasizes employee development

and community engagement, fostering a positive workplace culture.

Future Outlook and Strategic Initiatives

In 2025, Love’s plans significant growth including:

• Opening 20 new travel stops

• Remodeling 50 existing locations under the Strategic Remodel Initiative (SRI)

• Expanding RV hookups and EV charging stations

• Investing over $1 billion in upgrades and technology

These efforts position Love’s to continue leading the travel stop industry by adapting to changing travel patterns and sustainability trends.

High Authority Resource

For detailed information about locations, services, career opportunities,

and latest updates, visit the official Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores website at loves.com.

Read More: Love’s Travel Stops vs Traditional Gas Stations: What Makes Them Different?

Conclusion

Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores has journeyed from a modest gas station in rural Oklahoma to a vital network supporting America’s highways and logistics system.

The company’s focus on innovation, customer experience,

and family values ensures it remains a top choice for travelers for decades to come.