More than 20 new travel stop locations will open this year, from Napavine, Wash., to Emerson, Ga.,the company said in a statement posted on its website.
Watch the video below or click here."We're beginning to run out of new states," [image-nocss] Love told The Oklahoman in a separate report. He said the business is unlikely to expand into Alaska or Hawaii, so that leaves only eight states where they could establish a corporate presence. The company is looking at opportunities in the Northeast, but Love said such a move would be tough.Much of the company's expansion is dictated by highway traffic, selecting locations where its services will be in demand.
To help meet those needs, the company plans to add 50 more Love's Truck Tire Care centers to current locations. There are about 100 Love's tire centers open now, but that figure will double over the next two years. "We're trying to develop a national footprint," Love told the newspaper.More than $50 million will go towards enhancements at existing Love's Travel Stop locations. Along with the new tire centers, slated improvements include parking lot expansions, re-imaging of restaurants and remodeling restrooms.
"Love's is committed to providing the best possible facilities and services that matter to the driving public," Love said. "We have listened to customer feedback when designing these improvements, which will make our travel stops more appealing and convenient."
Such feedback will determine when Love's begins offering alternative fueling options, such as compressed natural gas or plug-ins for electric cars, he said. "We'll do it when the market develops," said Love.
Founded in 1964 by Tom Love, Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores is headquartered in Oklahoma City, and remains entirely family owned and operated. With more than 265 travel centers and convenience stores in 39 states, Love's current growth rate is approximately 20 locations per year.
Love's is currently ranked No. 18 on Forbes' magazine's annual listing of America's largest privately held companies, the company said.
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