Love's Travel Stops' First Whataburger Location Set to Open Soon

Key Takeaways

• Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores announced Thursday that its first Whataburger restaurant will open May 4 at a newly opened travel center in San Antonio.
• The travel center operator first disclosed its partnership with the well-known burger fast-food chain Whataburger in early 2025, with plans to open later that year. A Love's spokesperson said construction delays pushed the opening to this year.
• This dining expansion is the latest in a series of recent operational updates from Love's, including improved ordering technology, an updated Love's Rewards program, and the addition of electric vehicle charging facilities.

Deep Dive

Love's President Shane Wharton said at a press conference last year that the company had long wanted to add Whataburger to its extensive list of dining partners. That list already includes national chains such as Arby's, Subway, and Taco Bell, as well as smaller chains like Naf Naf. The retailer opened its first Buffalo Wild Wings Go location in September.

In addition to the upcoming Whataburger location, the newly opened San Antonio travel center features a 14,954-square-foot store, 70 truck parking spaces, Love's fresh food offerings, a dog park, laundry facilities, and seven showers. The site also has space reserved for installing EV charging stations if demand rises.

Love's has remained active over the past year. In addition to adding Whataburger and Buffalo Wild Wings Go, the company launched a retail media network called Love's Media Group; deployed new ordering technology (including self-service kiosks and mobile ordering) across its hundreds of quick-service restaurants; activated its first three EV fast-charging stations in Texas; and unified the Love's Rewards loyalty program while increasing the rate at which members earn points.