Love's Travel Stops opens at I-71 exit near Bellville
Lou Whitmire
BELLVILLE - Love’s Travel Stops opened its new store on Thursday morning at Interstate 71's exit 165 and plenty of customers stopped in, including some big rigs.
The new business, 976 Ohio 97, adds approximately 60 jobs to Richland County, according to a news release from the company.
Truck driver Peter Garibay said he was passing through on his way home to Texas.
"Gotta get home for Christmas," he said as he poured some creamer into his giant coffee mug.
Premium unleaded was going for $2.06 per gallon, according to the sign out front.
Parking near the actual convenience store was hard to find on Thursday afternoon as people, mostly truck drivers, came inside for coffee. Others were seated inside at Subway or Taco John's restaurants, having lunch.
There is plenty of room for the big trucks.
The travel stop offers 73 truck parking spaces, showers and other services for professional drivers, according to Love's.
The 13,000-square-foot facility features gourmet coffee, fountain drinks, gift items, name-brand snacks and laundry capabilities.
The truck stop/convenience store had an array of freshly-made hot burritos, sandwiches and hot dogs including steak and ranchero cheese burritos, mini chili cheese dogs, buffalo chicken ranch burritos and even pork tamales under glass.
“Bellville is an ideal location for Love’s,” said Tom Love, founder and executive chairman of Love’s. “With its location along Interstate 71 and proximity to Cleveland and Columbus, we’re well-positioned to conveniently serve residents, motorists and professional drivers. We look forward to providing the ‘Clean Places, Friendly Faces’ Love’s is known for to a new part of the state.”
Love’s will have a ribbon-cutting in conjunction with the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce at 11 a.m. Jan. 4. During the ceremony, Love’s will present a $2,000 donation to Clear Fork Valley Schools.
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Founded in 1964, Love’s has more than 440 locations in 41 states.
lwhitmir@nncogannett.com
419-521-7223
Twitter: @LWhitmir