Kansas and Louisiana Are Finally Getting Their First Buc-ee’s, and Here’s When They Could Open
If you’ve ever pulled into a Buc-ee’s for a quick bathroom break and somehow walked out with barbecue, fudge, and a bag of Beaver Nuggets, you know this isn’t your average gas station. Kansas and Louisiana are getting ready to welcome the first locations of the popular Texas-based travel center chain.
Both stores are under construction, with openings expected in 2027. And these won’t be small roadside stops. Each location is planned to cover 74,000 square feet and feature 120 fueling positions, according to Buc-ee’s official announcements. That’s plenty of room for road-trip snacks, souvenirs, and a few unplanned purchases.
Kansas Is Getting Its First Buc-ee’s Near Kansas Speedway
Kansas residents won’t have to cross state lines forever to experience the Buc-ee’s craze.
The state’s first location is being built at 601 Village West Parkway in Kansas City, Kansas, near Kansas Speedway and the Legends shopping area. It’s conveniently positioned near Interstate 70, making it a potential stop for travelers passing through the region.
Construction officially kicked off with a groundbreaking ceremony on October 16, 2025.
The project represents an estimated $95 million investment and is expected to include 12 electric vehicle charging stations alongside its 120 fueling positions.
Here’s the exciting part: Kansas might get its store sooner than originally expected.
According to an October 8 report from Convenience Store News, a September 26 Facebook update associated with the Kansas City project suggested a spring 2027 opening, rather than the previously reported October 2027 target.
However, Buc-ee’s official website still lists only 2027, so travelers shouldn’t mark their calendars for a specific opening date just yet.
Louisiana’s First Location Is Coming to Ruston
Louisiana has been waiting quite a while for its first Buc-ee’s, but the project is finally taking shape.
The store is being built in Ruston, near Interstate 20 and Tarbutton Road, directly across from Ruston Junior High School.
Like the Kansas location, Ruston’s Buc-ee’s will feature a planned 74,000-square-foot building and 120 fueling positions.
Officials first announced the project in 2023, anticipating an opening in 2025. That timeline eventually shifted as plans progressed.
A groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 24, 2025, and construction has continued since then.
According to the City of Ruston’s project update, the store is now projected to open in mid-2027, depending on construction progress.
One important detail is that the project involves more than building a massive convenience store. The development also includes road improvements around the Tarbutton Road interchange.
For Louisiana travelers, that means the wait isn’t quite over, but construction is underway rather than just another proposed location.
What Can Shoppers Expect Inside These Massive Stores?
Let’s talk about the real reason plenty of people get excited about Buc-ee’s: the food.
Sure, filling your gas tank is useful, but a trip to Buc-ee’s can easily become a snack-shopping adventure.
Both upcoming locations are expected to offer some of the chain’s well-known favorites, including:
- Texas barbecue: A major attraction for visitors who love a satisfying road-trip meal.
- Beaver Nuggets: The chain’s signature sweet, crunchy corn snacks.
- Homemade fudge: A tempting treat for anyone browsing the sweets section.
- Jerky: A convenient option for snacking on long drives.
- Kolaches: A popular Texas-style bakery favorite.
- Fresh pastries: Perfect for an early-morning stop or an afternoon treat.
Buc-ee’s specifically included these items in its announcements for the Kansas and Louisiana projects.
Beyond food, Buc-ee’s is known for its spacious retail areas, branded apparel, gifts, and travel essentials.
Of course, Buc-ee’s hasn’t announced exact opening-day inventory and prices. So while it’s fun to plan your first snack haul, there’s no confirmed local menu or price list to study just yet.
Related:7 Purchases Shoppers Worry Cashiers Will Judge Them For
Hundreds of New Jobs Are Also Expected
Buc-ee’s arrival isn’t only exciting for hungry travelers. The new stores are also expected to create employment opportunities in their communities.
The company projects at least 225 full-time jobs at its Kansas City location and at least 200 full-time jobs in Ruston.
That totals at least 425 planned full-time positions across the two stores.
According to the company’s announcements, employees are expected to receive benefits that include a 401(k) program with a 6% company match and three weeks of paid vacation.
These positions are projections, not already filled jobs, and applicants should check Buc-ee’s official careers page for current openings and compensation details.
For nearby residents, the expansion could mean more job options without leaving their communities.
Why These New Locations Matter for Road Trips
One reason Buc-ee’s stands out is its ability to turn an ordinary highway stop into a destination.
Think about a typical road trip. Someone needs gas, another person wants coffee, and someone else insists on finding a decent meal. Usually, that means multiple stops.
Buc-ee’s aims to bring many of those needs together under one roof.
Kansas City’s location could attract travelers visiting Kansas Speedway, shopping at Legends, or simply driving along I-70.
Meanwhile, Ruston’s location could become a convenient stop for drivers traveling across northern Louisiana on I-20.
Of course, how much additional traffic and business these stores actually generate won’t be clear until they’re operating.
Louisiana Is Already Planning Another Buc-ee’s
Here’s another interesting development: Ruston won’t be the only Buc-ee’s in Louisiana forever.
The company also announced a second Louisiana location in Lafayette, currently slated to open in 2028.
That means Ruston is expected to become the state’s first Buc-ee’s, assuming the current schedules hold.
Kansas and Louisiana are both part of the chain’s broader expansion beyond its Texas roots.
Related: 10 States Texans Are Moving to When They Leave the Lone Star State
When Will the First Stores Actually Open?
For now, 2027 is the year to watch.
Kansas City’s latest reported target points to spring, while Ruston officials project mid-2027. Neither location has a confirmed opening day, and construction schedules can still change.
If you’re planning a road trip specifically to visit one of these new stores, check Buc-ee’s official opening schedule before making travel arrangements.
Until then, Kansas and Louisiana residents can look forward to a familiar beaver mascot, enormous travel centers, and plenty of opportunities to discover why a gas station can become a road-trip attraction.
And when those doors finally open, some visitors will likely arrive for fuel and leave with a whole lot more.
