Road trips often mean relying on Travel Stop Gas Stations for quick refueling and rest. But what about food? Many travelers might assume limited, unappetizing options. However, modern travel stop gas stations like Love’s are changing that perception, offering a surprisingly diverse range of meals and snacks. Recently opened in Wichita, the Love’s Travel Stop on 21st St. N provided an opportunity to explore their food offerings and see if they could satisfy more than just a quick hunger pang.
Inside, the Love’s Travel Stop revealed the typical convenience store setup with aisles stocked with drinks, chips, and various snacks. But venturing further in, a promising deli section and a warmer filled with pre-packaged meals came into view. The selection was extensive, boasting everything from tacos and sandwiches to salads, wraps, and desserts. The variety was impressive for a travel stop gas station, suggesting a real effort to cater to different tastes and dietary needs.
Heading to the deli counter, an employee highlighted popular choices like the wraps and mac and cheese bowls. Based on these recommendations and a general curiosity, a buffalo chicken mac and cheese bowl and a chicken wrap were chosen. Freshly made tacos were also being displayed, leading to the addition of a buffalo chicken ranch taco to the selection. And of course, no visit to a travel stop gas station is truly complete without checking out the roller grill. A buffalo chicken roller and a chicken taquito rounded out the impromptu meal.
Starting with the roller grill classics, the taquito and buffalo chicken roller were assessed. While decent, the taquito was noted as being somewhat flimsy compared to competitors like QuikTrip. The buffalo chicken roller, however, was on par with expectations for a travel stop gas station roller grill item.
The buffalo chicken ranch taco presented a textural challenge. The filling was quite mushy, almost puréed, which might not appeal to everyone, despite the flavor being acceptable.
The chicken wrap, unfortunately, was the least impressive item. Described as dry and bland, it was a disappointing choice from the selection.
However, the standout dish, and a definite highlight for any traveler stopping at this Love’s Travel Stop, was the buffalo chicken mac and cheese. Compared to standard grab-and-go meals, and even other gas station food options, this mac and cheese bowl was surprisingly good. While a bit more buffalo sauce could have enhanced it further, the proportion of chicken to noodles was well-balanced. At $6.99, it was considered a great value and a recommended choice for anyone looking for a satisfying and affordable meal at a travel stop gas station.
Ultimately, Love’s Travel Stop isn’t aiming for gourmet dining. The appeal lies in convenience, affordability, and offering food that is palatable and satisfying for travelers on the go. With a diverse menu, there’s likely something for everyone. And for a reliably tasty and surprisingly good meal at a travel stop gas station, the buffalo chicken mac and cheese bowl at Love’s is definitely worth considering.
