Love's
| File:Loves Travel Stops logo.svg Logo used since 2016 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Truck stops, convenience stores, fuel retailing |
| Founded | January 1, 1964 in Watonga, Oklahoma, United States |
| Founder | Tom Love, Judy Love |
| Headquarters | Oklahoma City , United States |
Area served | United States (42 states) |
| Products | Fuel, convenience store items, fast food franchises, truck services, RV hookups |
Number of employees | 40,000+ (2023) |
| Website | www |
Love's Travel Stops, commonly known as Love's (stylized as Loves), is a family-operated network comprising more than 650 truck stops distributed across 42 states in the United States. This privately owned company, headquartered in Oklahoma City, was ranked tenth on Forbes' 2022 list of the largest private enterprises in America. Love's operates primarily through two types of locations: country stores that integrate fuel stations with convenience retail, and larger travel centers situated along major highways. These travel centers feature amenities such as branded dining options—including Arby's, Bojangles, Burger King, McDonald's, Subway, and Wendy's—alongside truck parking, shower facilities, laundry services, and RV hookups introduced in 2022. As of 2023, the company employed upwards of 40,000 individuals.
History
In 1964, Tom and Judy Love launched their business venture by leasing a defunct service station in Watonga, Oklahoma, using $5,000 borrowed from Judy’s parents. They founded Musket Corporation and expanded to operate 40 gas stations within eight years under the Kerr-McGee fuel brand, pioneering extended service hours and introducing non-fuel product sales.
Amid the 1973 fuel shortage, Tom Love diversified operations by initiating the "Mini Stop Country Store" concept in Watonga, which quickly expanded throughout western Oklahoma. By 1972, all Musket locations had evolved into convenience stores offering self-service fuel and were rebranded as Love's Country Stores in 1973.
By 1978, Love's had expanded to 60 sites across Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. That year also saw the debut of Fresh Daily Deli sandwiches—now known as Love's Subs—positioning food service as a significant revenue stream alongside fuel and retail merchandise. By 1981, the company operated 100 country stores and launched its first travel stop on Interstate 40 in Amarillo, Texas, targeting professional truck drivers with self-serve diesel fueling options.
Throughout the latter part of the 20th century, Love's broadened its food service collaborations with numerous prominent chains such as Taco Bell (partnered in 1993), Subway, Pizza Hut (with a triple-branded location opening in 1995), Arby's, Baskin-Robbins, Bojangles, Burger King, Carl’s Jr., Dairy Queen, Denny’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr., IHOP, Sonic Drive-In, Taco John's, and Wendy’s.
In 2000, Love's earned the Sales & Marketing Executives International Outlook Award for its innovative contributions to convenience retailing. The company ventured into truck maintenance services by inaugurating Speedco tire care centers in 2008—providing nationwide offerings including tire services, mechanical repairs, oil changes, and roadside assistance.
On June 30, 2010, Love’s expanded its footprint by acquiring 26 Pilot Flying J locations following a Federal Trade Commission-mandated divestiture linked to the Pilot-Flying J merger.
In March 2019, Love's secured a prominent partnership with the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder for jersey sponsorship placement. The company also maintains long-standing sponsorships within NASCAR through Front Row Motorsports—highlighted by Michael McDowell’s winning car at the 2021 Daytona 500—and supports drivers such as Zane Smith and Layne Riggs.
In February 2023, Love’s further extended its regional presence by acquiring EZ GO Stores—a chain of 22 convenience stores operating across Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska—thereby enhancing its market share and expanding fueling options to include compressed natural gas (CNG).
Founder and executive chairman Tom Love passed away on March 7, 2023; his wife and co-founder Judy Love died on November 5, 2024. Their leadership fostered a strong corporate foundation that has driven continued growth within the energy retail sector.
Key dates
1964: Tom and Judy Love introduce the Musket brand with a gas station located in Watonga, Oklahoma. 1972: The inaugural Country Store launches in Guymon, Oklahoma. 1978: Formation of Love's Country Stores, Inc. 1981: The first Travel Stop debuts in Amarillo, Texas. 1986: Company adopts the name Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc. 1990: Incorporates prominent fast-food franchises into travel stop locations. 1999: Marks the opening of the 50th travel stop. 2000: Gemini Motor Transport is designated as the primary logistics carrier. 2013: Celebrates the launch of its 300th site. 2015: Reaches milestone with the 300th travel stop opening. 2016: Acquires Trillium CNG and inaugurates the 400th location. 2017: Completes acquisition of Speedco. 2019: Opens its 500th location. 2022: Introduces RV hookups and establishes dedicated RV Stops. 2023: Purchases EZ GO Stores. 2024: Commemorates six decades in business.
Trillium Energy Solutions
Following the acquisition of Trillium Energy Solutions, Love's rebranded it as Love’s Alternative Energy, thereby broadening its alternative fuel offerings and enhancing its foothold within the energy industry.