Buc-ee’s, the beloved Texas-based travel center chain, has made its way to Colorado. In March 2025, the company opened its first location in the state, situated in Johnstown along Interstate 25. The massive 74,000-square-foot facility offers a wide array of amenities, including clean restrooms, fresh food, and an extensive selection of merchandise.
The Johnstown Buc-ee’s employs 275 staff members and has quickly become a popular destination for travelers and locals alike. Visitors can enjoy the chain’s famous brisket sandwiches, barbecue offerings, and an assortment of snacks and candies. The travel center also features 116 fueling stations, providing ample space for motorists to refuel their vehicles.
Buc-ee’s expansion into Colorado has been met with enthusiasm, and plans for a second location are already underway. The company is eyeing a site south of the Denver metro area, near Colorado Springs, to further establish its presence in the Centennial State. As Buc-ee’s continues to grow, Colorado residents and visitors can look forward to more opportunities to experience the unique charm and convenience of this Texas-born phenomenon.
The Buc-ee’s Brand
Buc-ee’s has become a beloved travel center chain known for its massive stores, extensive offerings, and fanatical customer base. The brand’s rapid expansion and commitment to quality have made it a standout in the convenience store industry.
Origin and Expansion
Buc-ee’s was founded in 1982 in Lake Jackson, Texas. The company started as a small convenience store but quickly grew into a phenomenon. Buc-ee’s focused on creating oversized travel centers with an unprecedented number of fuel pumps and expansive retail spaces.
The brand’s growth accelerated in recent years, with locations opening beyond Texas. Colorado welcomed its first Buc-ee’s in March 2024 in Johnstown. This 74,000-square-foot store features 116 fueling stations, showcasing the brand’s commitment to scale.
A second Colorado location is already in the planning stages south of Denver, demonstrating Buc-ee’s aggressive expansion strategy.
Reputation and Offerings
Buc-ee’s has built a reputation for exceptional cleanliness and service. The travel centers are famous for their immaculate restrooms, often touted as the “cleanest bathrooms in America.” This commitment to hygiene has become a cornerstone of the Buc-ee’s brand.
The stores offer an extensive array of products, from snacks and drinks to clothing and home goods. Buc-ee’s private label items, such as Beaver Nuggets, have achieved cult status among fans.
Buc-ee’s travel centers are designed as destinations rather than mere pit stops. The massive retail spaces, abundant fuel pumps, and diverse product selection encourage longer visits and repeat customers.
Buc-ee’s Arrival in Colorado
Buc-ee’s, the popular Texas-based travel center chain, made its highly anticipated debut in Colorado in March 2025. The company’s expansion into the Centennial State marked a significant milestone, bringing its unique blend of convenience, size, and amenities to a new market.
Choosing Johnstown
Buc-ee’s selected Johnstown, Colorado as the site for its first location in the state. The travel center is situated off Interstate 25 at exit 252, providing easy access for travelers. This strategic location allows Buc-ee’s to serve both local residents and interstate travelers passing through the area.
The Johnstown Buc-ee’s boasts an impressive 74,000-square-foot facility, making it one of the largest convenience stores in the world. This massive size enables the company to offer its full range of services and products to Colorado customers.
Economic Contributions
Buc-ee’s arrival in Colorado has brought significant economic benefits to the region. The Johnstown location created between 175 and 225 full-time jobs, providing employment opportunities for local residents. These positions offer competitive wages and benefits, contributing to the local economy.
The travel center’s presence has also increased tourism and traffic to the area, benefiting nearby businesses. Buc-ee’s is known for attracting customers from far and wide, potentially boosting sales for other local establishments.
Additionally, the company’s investment in infrastructure and property development has contributed to local tax revenues. This influx of funds can potentially support community services and improvements in Johnstown and surrounding areas.
Traveler Amenities and Services
Buc-ee’s in Johnstown, Colorado offers an extensive array of services and amenities designed to cater to travelers’ needs. The travel center provides multiple fueling options, electric vehicle charging, and a vast selection of retail items and souvenirs.
Fueling Features
The Buc-ee’s location in Johnstown boasts an impressive 116 fueling positions. This large number of pumps helps reduce wait times and congestion, even during peak travel periods. The fuel station offers various grades of gasoline to accommodate different vehicle requirements.
Diesel fuel is also available for trucks and larger vehicles. The fueling area is well-lit and equipped with modern, easy-to-use pumps. Customers can pay at the pump using credit cards or cash inside the store.
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
Recognizing the growing popularity of electric vehicles, Buc-ee’s has installed 12 EV charging stations at its Johnstown location. These charging points cater to various electric vehicle models, ensuring compatibility for most EV drivers.
The charging stations are conveniently located near the main building, allowing EV owners to shop or grab a snack while their vehicles charge. This infrastructure supports eco-conscious travelers and aligns with Colorado’s push towards sustainable transportation options.
Retail and Souvenir Selections
Buc-ee’s is renowned for its extensive retail offerings, and the Johnstown location is no exception. The 74,000-square-foot store houses a wide array of products, from travel essentials to unique souvenirs.
Travelers can find:
- Snacks and beverages
- Fresh food options
- Clothing and accessories
- Colorado-themed merchandise
- Buc-ee’s branded items
The store’s layout is designed for easy navigation, allowing customers to quickly find what they need. Buc-ee’s famous private-label products, including Beaver Nuggets and jerky, are prominently displayed throughout the store.
Gastronomic Adventure at Buc-ee’s
Buc-ee’s offers a culinary experience that goes far beyond typical gas station fare. Visitors can explore a wide array of gourmet snacks, hearty meals, and signature treats that have made this chain famous among food enthusiasts and travelers alike.
Gourmet Snacks and Meals
Buc-ee’s elevates road trip cuisine with its extensive selection of high-quality snacks and meals. The store’s expansive aisles feature a diverse range of nuts, including flavored varieties and trail mixes. Beef jerky enthusiasts can choose from numerous flavors and textures, satisfying any craving for savory protein.
For those seeking a more substantial meal, Buc-ee’s offers fresh, made-to-order options. The brisket sandwich stands out as a customer favorite, featuring tender, slow-cooked meat piled high on soft bread. Other hot food items include breakfast tacos, sandwiches, and BBQ plates.
Health-conscious travelers will find fresh fruit cups, vegetable trays, and salads among the offerings. Buc-ee’s also caters to various dietary needs with gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Buc-ee’s Signature Foods
Buc-ee’s has developed a reputation for its unique, house-made specialties. The store’s fudge counter is a highlight, offering a rotating selection of creamy, indulgent flavors made fresh on-site.
Beaver Nuggets, a sweet and crunchy corn snack, have become synonymous with the Buc-ee’s brand. These addictive treats are often purchased in bulk by devoted fans.
The fresh brisket, slow-smoked for hours, serves as the foundation for many of Buc-ee’s popular dishes. Visitors can purchase it by the pound or enjoy it in sandwiches and other prepared meals.
Buc-ee’s private label products, including sauces, seasonings, and candies, allow customers to bring a taste of their travel experience home. These items make popular souvenirs and gifts for those unable to visit in person.
Logistics and Layout
Buc-ee’s Colorado locations feature expansive layouts designed to accommodate high customer volumes. The stores offer a wide range of amenities and products within their sprawling floor plans.
Space and Store Design
Buc-ee’s Colorado stores boast massive footprints, with the Johnstown location spanning 74,000 square feet. The layout is carefully planned to maximize efficiency and customer flow. Wide aisles allow easy navigation, even during peak hours.
Product sections are clearly defined, with food items, clothing, gifts, and travel essentials strategically placed. The stores feature numerous checkout lanes to minimize wait times.
Large parking lots accommodate cars, RVs, and trucks. The Johnstown location offers 116 fueling positions, ensuring quick refueling for travelers.
Bathroom Facilities
Buc-ee’s is renowned for its exceptionally clean and spacious restrooms. The Colorado locations maintain this high standard.
Facilities include numerous stalls and urinals to prevent long waits. Each restroom is equipped with multiple sinks and hand dryers.
Dedicated cleaning staff ensure bathrooms remain pristine throughout the day. The restrooms feature high-quality finishes and bright lighting, creating a comfortable environment for customers.
Buc-ee’s strategic locations along Interstate 25 make these facilities easily accessible to travelers, enhancing the overall road trip experience in Colorado.
Experiences and Service Commitment
Buc-ee’s has built its reputation on providing exceptional experiences and unwavering service. The company’s commitment to quality extends from its vast product selection to its pristine facilities.
Customer Service Philosophy
Buc-ee’s prioritizes customer satisfaction above all else. Staff members are trained to be attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the store’s offerings. The company’s philosophy centers on creating a welcoming environment for travelers.
Employees are easily identifiable in their distinctive uniforms and are always ready to assist customers. Buc-ee’s maintains high standards for cleanliness, especially in its restrooms, which are cleaned and checked regularly throughout the day.
The stores offer a wide array of food options, including freshly prepared meals and snacks. Pitmasters at Buc-ee’s prepare barbecue daily, ensuring quality and freshness.
The Buc-ee’s Community
Buc-ee’s has cultivated a loyal following among road trip enthusiasts. The stores serve as more than just pit stops; they’re destinations in themselves. Customers often plan their routes to include a Buc-ee’s visit.
The company’s mascot, the beaver, is prominently featured throughout the stores. Beaver Nuggets, a popular sweet corn snack, have become a signature item. Buc-ee’s merchandise, featuring the beaver logo, is highly sought after by fans.
Gas stations at Buc-ee’s locations are expansive, with numerous pumps to minimize wait times. The company’s commitment to competitive fuel prices adds to its appeal for travelers.
Significant Milestones
Buc-ee’s marked a major milestone in Colorado with the grand opening of its first location in the state. On March 18, 2023, the Texas-based chain unveiled its massive 74,000-square-foot travel center in Johnstown.
The Johnstown store became Buc-ee’s 14th location outside of Texas. It also claimed the title of the company’s largest store at the time of opening. The facility features an impressive 116 fuel pumps to serve travelers.
Buc-ee’s Colorado debut generated significant buzz. Eager fans lined up as early as 5 a.m. on opening day to experience the store’s offerings firsthand. The grand opening marked Buc-ee’s expansion into a new market.
The Johnstown location’s success has paved the way for further growth in Colorado. Buc-ee’s has announced plans for a second store in the state, to be located south of the Denver metro area.
This new location is slated to be a 74,000-square-foot center, matching the size of the Johnstown store. It will create 175 to 225 full-time jobs, contributing to the local economy.