Love’s outlines $700M investment plan for 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY — Love’s Travel Stops is starting 2026 with a $700 million investment plan that includes new construction, remodels, loyalty program upgrades, foodservice expansion, and alternative energy projects, executives announced during a 2026 Preview media call.

Under its newly branded Road Ahead Plan, the company aims to open 20 new locations and remodel 35 stores this year, while launching an improved Love’s Rewards loyalty program and increasing investments in EV charging, truck services, and fresh food offerings.

“Our 2026 priorities reflect what has always mattered at Love’s: delivering a best-in-class customer experience every time,” said Shane Wharton, president of Love’s. “We assumed we have to play offense, making sure we offer the right products and services at a good value.”

Store Growth, Truck Services and RV Expansion

Love’s closed 2025 with 668 locations and announced that more than half of its network will be newly built or remodeled by 2035. Remodels will temporarily close stores to expedite construction, while maintaining fuel, restroom access, and limited foodservice through mobile facilities.

For professional drivers, the company plans to add 1,500 truck parking spaces in 2026, increasing the total to more than 52,000 by the end of the year. Two new truck care locations and four truck washes are also scheduled to open, along with updates to warranty partnerships, roadside assistance, and CDL protection programs.

Love’s will expand its RV footprint with 23 new RV stops, adding 150 hookups. The RV network will exceed 140 locations and 2,000 hookups across the country. The company will also start selling RV tires and batteries this spring at 79 locations with truck care and RV hookups.

Foodservice and Technology Investments

Foodservice remains a key growth area. Love’s plans to expand order-ahead technology and introduce more intelligent kiosks at QSR locations following positive results at brands including Arby’s and Hardee’s.

The company will continue rolling out new menu items through Love’s Fresh Kitchen, introduce seasonal flavor profiles every two months, and expand QSR partnerships. After launching Buffalo Wild Wings GO at three sites in 2025, Love’s plans to open eight more locations in 2026. The chain also opened its first Whataburger in San Antonio earlier this year.

Loyalty Program Relaunch

Later this month, Love’s will launch an improved Love’s Rewards program, allowing casual customers to earn points per dollar spent in-store and on fuel. The program will feature higher overall earning rates, bonus points on Love’s-branded products and Love’s Fresh Kitchen items, and updated rewards tailored for professional drivers.

EV Charging and Alternative Energy

Love’s plans include adding nearly 100 new EV charging stalls in 2026, building on more than 200 chargers already deployed across 16 states. Over the next few years, fast chargers are scheduled for about 150 locations.

The company is also expanding its hydrogen and compressed natural gas (CNG) network and expects its Hartwell Renewables renewable diesel refinery in Hastings, Nebraska, to open in the second half of 2026. The facility is projected to produce 80 million gallons of renewable diesel annually, using a multi-feedstock model that includes waste fats, oils, and vegetable oils.

“In renewables, there are not many options,” Wharton said. “We see this as a unique opportunity to serve customers who want renewable diesel while strengthening our long-term fuel strategy.”