Love’s Sets New Store Openings, Renos

Love’s Travel Stops (Oklahoma City) has unveiled plans to start construction on 20 new stores and begin updating 50 existing locations under its Strategic Remodel Initiative (SRI). Launched in 2022, the company says SRI reflects Love’s commitment strengthening its position as a premier one-stop-shop for professional truck drivers and four-wheel, RV and EV customers.

“As we enter the year, we’re committed to continuing to enhance the customer experience for all,” said President Shane Wharton. “This year, we’re excited to introduce new and updated locations, innovative food and drinks and continued improvement of the services and amenities we offer. With our continued focus on the evolving needs of customers, we’re confident we’ll provide an even better experience across our network in 2025.”

Here are other steps the company plans to take:

• As part of the SRI, the company will update its turnpike location in Stroud, Okla., the first of the turnpike locations to be remodeled that were acquired in 2023. With new locations and SRI efforts this year, more than half of Love’s 655 locations will be newly constructed or remodeled by 2035.
• Love’s is also growing its food and drink offerings by expanding its Fresh Kitchen program through a new Culinary Innovation Center being led by Greg Ekman, the company’s first director of fresh kitchen strategy and growth. Located in Oklahoma City, the center will be used to develop and test food offerings including tacos, salads, sandwiches, snack trays and more.
• Love’s will continue adding locations and amenities for RV customers, including adding 83 hookups to 17 locations, surpassing the 100-location mark.
• The company will also continue growing its EV charging station network through National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) grants. In 2024, the company was awarded $83 million for the construction of chargers in 13 states. This year, construction is expected to start on fast chargers at locations in Alabama, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.