Watonga, December 31, 2025
Love’s Travel Stops has announced plans to transform its original Watonga store into a dedicated museum celebrating its 61-year history. The museum aims to attract tourists and preserve local heritage, with construction beginning early next year and an expected opening in late 2026. Featuring interactive displays and memorabilia, this initiative honors the legacy of the company’s founders and is expected to boost the local economy and tourism.
Love’s Travel Stops Transforms Watonga Icon into Museum
Future Home of Love’s History to Ignite Local Tourism
Watonga, Oklahoma – Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores has made a significant decision to close its original location in Watonga, paving the way for a new museum dedicated to the company’s 61-year history. This development not only preserves a vital part of local heritage but is also expected to attract tourists and bolster the local economy when the museum opens in late 2026, following the commencement of construction in January.
The inaugural Love’s Country Store was founded in 1964 by Tom and Judy Love with a modest $5,000 loan to lease an abandoned service station in Watonga. Over the decades, the company has grown remarkably, now operating over 640 locations across 42 states, generating approximately $24 billion in annual revenue. This growth story showcases the power of entrepreneurial spirit and the resilience of small businesses in Oklahoma and beyond.
The Details of the Museum Project
The forthcoming Love’s Museum will feature interactive displays, iconic artifacts, and notable memorabilia, which includes handwritten notes from Tom Love, past uniforms, badges, and newspaper advertisements. The intent of the museum is to honor the founders and illuminate the journey of Love’s Travel Stops, transforming it into a valuable resource for future generations. Jenny Love Meyer, the company’s Chief Culture Officer and Executive Vice President, has highlighted that this museum will celebrate the legacy of her parents and provide an engaging outlet for the many customers who have made Love’s part of their travels.
A Lasting Legacy of Community and Philanthropy
The announcement comes in the wake of the deaths of Tom and Judy Love in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Their passing left behind a remarkable legacy characterized not just by the thriving business but also by significant philanthropic contributions to the community. The transformation of their first store into a museum signifies a commitment to preserve their vision and values, further enriching Watonga’s cultural landscape.
Employee Impact and Community Response
In the wake of the store closure, all employees from the original Love’s Country Store have been offered transfers to other Love’s locations, demonstrating the company’s commitment to its workforce. Additionally, the Watonga area retains a modern Love’s Travel Stop, an upgraded version of the country store that caters to travelers, ensuring the continuity of service in the community.
Love’s Family Continuity and Values
As a family-owned business, Love’s is now steered by three of Tom and Judy Love’s children, along with three active grandchildren. This generational continuity underlines the company’s adherence to the founding principles of integrity, hard work, and innovation. The Love family’s commitment ensures that the company’s unique culture will not only endure but will also thrive as it navigates future business landscapes.
Economic Growth through Cultural Heritage
The establishment of the Love’s Museum is more than just the preservation of a local business’s history; it represents a potential catalyst for economic growth in Watonga. By drawing visitors interested in the roots of this successful nationwide chain, the museum could contribute to local tourism and strengthen community ties. It also stands as a testament to the role of small businesses in shaping regional economies and encouraging entrepreneurial ventures.
Conclusion
The closure of Love’s original location in Watonga to create a museum not only honors the legacy of its founders but also represents a strategic move to bolster local tourism and economic activity. By supporting initiatives like this, the community can engage with its own history while celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Oklahoma. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to look forward to the museum’s opening and the rich stories it will tell.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Love’s Museum?
The Love’s Museum is a forthcoming museum dedicated to the 61-year history of Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores, set to open in late 2026 in Watonga, Oklahoma.
When will the Love’s Museum open?
The museum is expected to open in late 2026, with construction slated to begin in January.
What will the museum feature?
The museum will feature interactive displays, iconic artifacts, and memorabilia, including handwritten notes from Tom Love, past uniforms, badges, and newspaper advertisements.
Who founded Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores?
Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores was founded in 1964 by Tom and Judy Love in Watonga, Oklahoma.
What is the current status of the original Love’s Country Store in Watonga?
The original Love’s Country Store in Watonga has been closed to make way for the museum, with all employees offered transfers to other Love’s locations.
Key Features of the Love’s Museum
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Opening Date | Late 2026 |
| Location | Watonga, Oklahoma |
| Exhibits | Interactive displays, iconic artifacts, handwritten notes from Tom Love, past uniforms, badges, newspaper advertisements |
| Founders | Tom and Judy Love |
| Company Overview | Over 640 locations across 42 states, approximately $24 billion in annual revenue |
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