Love’s celebrates 60 years of innovation and growth
From an Oklahoma family’s dream in 1964 to a nationally recognized brand in 2024
OKLAHOMA CITY, Jan. 8, 2024– Love's Travel Stops today celebrates 60 years of operations, marking a legacy of innovation, growth and community impact since its first store opened in Watonga, Oklahoma, in 1964.
"That year, Tom and Judy Love were looking for a way to support their growing family. So, they leased a filling station in Watonga and with Tom’s boots-on-the ground, community and people-focused mentality he kept his entire career, that one store led to a nationally recognized brand.
“While a lot has changed in six decades, the heart of Love’s has not, and it’s now alive in four generations of our family,” said the Love Family. “We are so grateful for our incredible team members – past and present – whose contributions play a role in shaping our company. Growth and innovation of our product offerings, living our core values and culture daily, and dedication to clean places, friendly faces are what this company was started on in 1964. Today, we proudly stand on that foundation and know our best is still ahead of us.”
Today, Love’s is the only major travel stop that is still family-owned and -operated and is now a national travel stop and convenience store network with 637 locations in 42 states and nearly 40,000 employees in North America and Europe. Its growing family of companies includes Musket Corp., Trillium Energy Solutions, Gemini and Speedco.
Tom Love was an innovator from the start, opening a combined convenience store and filling station at a time when that was practically unheard of. His innovative spirit is at the heart of every addition the company has had over the years – from expanding into travel stops, adding the Gemini Motor Transport fleet, and restaurant and fresh food options, to total truck care solutions, alternative fuels, and private label offerings, just to name a few.
One element that has not changed over the years, but gained in strength, is the company’s culture and the philosophy of treating all team members like family. The belief in caring for customers, partners and team members still differentiates Love’s. This commitment was recently recognized when Love’s was ranked #1 for “Work Wellbeing in the US” by Indeed.
“Tom Love said it best, ‘yesterday’s trophies don’t win tomorrow’s games,’ and even after six decades we still live by that motto, constantly innovating and improving,” said Shane Wharton, president of Love’s. “The secret formula behind the company’s success is our employees and how they model the core values Love’s was built on and sustain a legacy of driving for excellence.”
Love’s 60th anniversary celebrations will continue throughout the year. Follow us on social media for promotions, community giving initiatives and more.
About Love’s
Love’s has been fueling customers’ journeys since 1964. Innovation and perseverance continue to lead the way for the family-owned and -operated business headquartered in Oklahoma City with more than 40,000 team members in North America and Europe. The company’s core business is travel stops and convenience stores with 640 locations in 42 states. Love’s continues its commitment to offer products and services that provide value for professional drivers, fleets, four-wheel customers, RVers, alternative fuel and wholesale fuel customers. Giving back to communities Love’s serves and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workplace are hallmarks of the company’s award-winning culture. To find out more about Love's, follow us on social or apply for a job, click here.