Here it comes — the sprawling, beaver-branded travel center chain Buc-ee’s is finally stepping into Louisiana, and it’s doing so with real Texas-sized ambition. In the quiet college town of Ruston, nestled along I-20, the company is gearing up for a massive build. Think 74,000 square feet of pit stop heaven, 120 fueling stations, hundreds of jobs and a lot of snacks. Strap in, because this slideshow breaks down the who, what, where and why of the chain’s new Gulf-adjacent footprint.
Big Footprint, Bigger Pumps
The new Ruston location will span 74,000 square feet and include a whopping 120 fueling stations — not your average convenience stop. That’s the same scale the chain uses for its flagship mega-centers, signalling they’re not messing around in Louisiana. With that many pumps, you’re talking major traffic and major convenience for interstate travellers. For locals, it means the road-trip stop of their dreams just landed in town.
Why Ruston, Why Now
Ruston is home to around 22,330 residents and the campus of Louisiana Tech University, and sits near the Ark-La-Tex region’s eastern edge. For Buc-ee’s real-estate folks, it’s “smart growth” territory — a small city with big potential. According to Director of Real Estate Stan Beard, Ruston’s “big attitude” and location make it the perfect first Louisiana stop.
Jobs on the Line
The chain estimates the new store will create at least 200 full-time jobs in the region. That’s a meaningful bump for a town of Ruston’s size. From retail associates and food-service staff to maintenance crews and managers, this build-out promises to be a local economic engine. Good news for job-seekers, and even better for the local tax base.
Groundbreaking Date Locked
Construction officially begins with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for October 24, 2025. Local dignitaries including the mayor and state senators are expected to attend. With dirt being moved on that date, the countdown to Ruston’s first Buc-ee’s is officially on. Delays have plagued past plans, so breaking ground matters.
Delayed? Not Quite – But Watch This Space
There were earlier delays, but work is now underway. Dirt-moving began in September 2025, after weeks of prep on water and sewage infrastructure. City officials say they’ve got about 270 days to finish the initial infrastructure ahead of major construction. So, while it’s started, keep in mind it’s still early days.
Buc-ee’s Expansion Outside Texas
The chain isn’t just sticking to its Texas home base. Since 2024, Buc-ee’s has opened new locations in states like Ohio, Arkansas, Arizona and Kansas. The Ruston move is part of a bigger growth strategy — the brand is going national-road-trip big. For Louisiana, that means the Bayou State finally gets a taste of that extra-large pit-stop experience.
What’s Inside? More Than Just Fuel
While pumping gas will be the big draw, Buc-ee’s brings more: massive snack aisles, branded merchandise, signature brisket sandwiches and the famous Beaver Nuggets corn puffs. Expect the full-on convenience-store spectacle that their fans look forward to. It’s not just a stop — it’s a destination.
Traffic, Infrastructure & Local Impact
The chosen site off I-20 at Tarbutton Road required major infrastructure upgrades — new water lines, public roads, and tie-ins to Ruston’s system. Expect road-work, increased vehicle traffic and a shift in how the area around the highway functions. Local authorities are betting this isn’t just a gas station, but a game-changer.
Why Louisiana, and Why Now?
Louisiana has been on Buc-ee’s radar for a while. The brand’s first announced Louisiana location (in Ruston) had been delayed and pushed back for various reasons. With the cornerstone now laid in Ruston, the chain is firmly planting territory in the Pelican State. It’s a bold move into a new region — and the timing works given rising interstate travel.
What’s Next: Louisiana Gets Even More
Ruston may be first, but it likely won’t be last. A second Louisiana location has been announced (in Lafayette) and other states are in the pipeline as well. For locals and road-trippers alike, it means the mega convenience-stop concept is spreading. If you thought one Buc-ee’s would be enough — think again.
Wrap-Up: The Stop You Didn’t Know You Needed
So there you have it: 74,000 square feet, 120 gas pumps, 200+ jobs, and the full-on Buc-ee’s experience arriving in Ruston. For south Louisiana and beyond, this isn’t just a gas station — it’s a landmark. Will you stop by once it opens, or be among the first to snag a Beaver Nugget in the Bayou State? Let us know in the comments: Are you excited, curious — or wondering three things: when will it open, what will traffic look like, and how big will the snack aisle be?
