Love's Travel Stops Plans Big Growth and Store Updates in 2025
Love's Travel Stops is starting 2025 with ambitious growth plans, adding 20 new stores and updating 50 current locations across the country.
The truck stop company will upgrade its stores through its Strategic Remodel Initiative, which started in 2022. This includes the modernization of its recently acquired turnpike location in Stroud, Oklahoma. By 2035, over half of Love's 655 stores will be either new or updated.
The company is also expanding its restaurant business. As one of America's biggest fast-food operators, Love's will open its 1,000th restaurant this year. Customers will be able to order ahead on the Love's Connect app, starting at more than 100 Arby's locations. Whataburger will be Love's 20th restaurant brand, joining established partners like Arby's, Burger King, and Bojangles. "The people that like Whataburger, they really love it, so we're anticipating good feedback there," said Shane Wharton, president of Love's, adding that Love's plans to add one or two more restaurant types beyond Whataburger.
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RV owners will get more options at Love's in 2025. The company will add 83 hookups at 17 locations, bringing the total to over 100 locations. Using the Love's Connect app, RV drivers can book spots, check in, and turn on their utilities.
Truck drivers will benefit from about 1,000 new parking spaces, making the total more than 50,000 across the country. Love's will also add 12 repair bays and six emergency roadside vehicles to support drivers.
The company is adding electric car chargers, using $83 million in government grants to build fast chargers in eight states: Alabama, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
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"As we enter the year, we're committed to continuing to enhance the customer experience for all," Wharton said. "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."
Love's is also focusing on workforce development, planning to hire 10% more veterans and start a program for military spouses in 2025.