Chickasaw Nation collaborates with Love’s Travel Stop

This article appeared in the March 2018 edition of the Chickasaw Times

NEWCASTLE, Okla. - The Chickasaw Nation has opened a casino in the newest location of Love’s Travel Stops in Newcastle. The store, at 235 NW 24th Street, adds approximately 60 new jobs in McClain County.

Governor Bill Anoatubby said the new partnership developed out of a long term relationship with the family.

“We have enjoyed a close relationship with Tom and Judy Love and their family for years, and we look forward to expanding on that relationship through this partnership,” Gov. Anoatubby said “This project has already created additional employment opportunities in the area, and we believe it will benefit the local economy for years to come.”

Tom Love, founder and executive chairman of Love’s, said the opening of the new location offered an ideal opportunity for the new development.

“With its location along Interstate 44 and its proximity to Oklahoma City, Newcastle is a perfect location for a Love’s Travel Stop,” Mr. Love said. “We’re happy to serve customers in another area of our home state, and we look forward to becoming part of the Newcastle community.”

Opening of the Newcastle Love’s marks the company’s 74th location in Oklahoma. The first Love’s opened in 1964 in Watonga, Oklahoma, and the company’s main corporate offices are in Oklahoma City.

Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Commerce Bill Lance said the partnership would leverage the experience and expertise of both entities.

“We look forward to strong results from this project,” Mr. Lance said. “We believe this presents a significant opportunity to couple our expertise in gaming operations with Love’s passion and their long and stellar track record for serving the traveling public with fuel, food and other retail products.”

The new 24/7 travel stop is the third Love’s location that features a Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant. The new store also offers a Subway restaurant, fresh fruit, gourmet coffee, name-brand snacks and more.