OKLAHOMA CITY — Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores opened eight travel stops in recent weeks across the nation, expanding the company's network to more than 440 locations in 41 states, including 320 with tire services on site.
The spate of openings capped an active year for Love's, which saw 36 travel stop openings, the acquisition of Speedco Inc. from Bridgestone Americas Inc. and the establishment of a retread business unit.
"We're providing for customers in new ways and in more areas than ever before," said Love's Co-CEO Frank Love.
Among the 36 new shops was the company's first in Montana, which extended Love's network to 41 states.
The eight stores opened in December were in: Hope Hull, Ala.; Pine Bluff, Ark.; Brush, Colo.; Bushnell, Fla.; Bellville, Ohio; Eastview, Tenn.; and Bridgeport and Troy, Texas. The Hope Hull, Bushnell, Bellville and Troy centers have Love's Truck Tire Care facilities on site.
Love's did not disclose its spending on the new locations nor the cost of acquiring Speedco, whose locations continue to operate under the Speedco name.
Love's Travel Stops carry eight new tire brands — Aeolus, BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Firestone, Goodyear, Michelin and Yokohama — and retreads from the firm's new Oliver-system retread division.
The Speedco outlets handle Bridgetone, Firestone and Dayton new tires and Bandag retreads.