Love’s Adds Godfather’s Pizza to 64 Locations

OKLAHOMA CITY — Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc. is adding 64 Godfather’s Pizza Express locations across 16 states through early 2017.

The travel stop operator is adding Godfather’s Pizza’s Grab N’ Go program to 46 existing locations within six states, with a majority in Oklahoma. The rest will be at new travel stops across the country.

“The Love’s team understands what sells in travel stops and convenience stores — its execution is second to none,” said Godfather’s Pizza Vice President of Development Dave Gartlan. “It's a very well-respected company and the yellow sign with the heart is iconic across the nation.”

With the addition of Godfather’s Pizza Express, Love’s sites serving "A Pizza You Can’t Refuse" will grow 300 percent, from 21 to 85 travel stops. 

Earlier this year, Love’s opened seven limited-service stores with Godfather’s Pizza Express in Arkansas, Colorado, Tennessee and Texas. Existing Love’s locations with the foodservice operator are in Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee.

Love’s partnership with Godfather’s Pizza Express began in 1999 in Oklahoma. Prior to 2016, Love’s operated 14 locations with Godfather's Pizza Express.

“Our customers have expressed interest in more dining options as we continue to add locations nationwide,” said Joe Cotton, director of restaurant services for Love’s. “We had a great relationship with Godfather’s and we knew they would give us an excellent product at a competitive price, so expanding our partnership was a natural fit.”

Gartlan added: "Travel stops and convenience stores make their money by selling food and snacks. Branded pizza products, like Godfather’s Pizza Express, is proven to increase profitability.”

Godfather’s Pizza Express was founded in 1973. The fast-casual concept has expanded to more than 445 locations in more than 34 states ranging from traditional dine-in restaurants to express outlets such as airports, convenience stores and college campuses.

Oklahoma City-based Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc. has more than 380 travel center locations in 40 states.