By Malcolm Butler
The Buc-ee’s travel center under construction in Ruston remains on track for a 2027 opening as city officials prepare to advance the next phase of development surrounding the project.
Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker said he recently spoke with the site’s construction supervisor and was told the project remains on schedule.
“I actually talked to the supervisor Friday afternoon and he said, yes, they’re still tracking on April 2027,” Walker said.
Walker also said the Ruston Board of Aldermen is expected to approve annexations during its July 6 meeting, allowing the city to move forward with Phase 2 of the development surrounding the travel center.
“In our July 6 meeting, we will approve the annexations so that we move forward Phase 2,” Walker said.
The annexation will allow the city to continue planning additional commercial development around the Buc-ee’s project. Walker has said numerous times that Buc-ee’s won’t start unveiling what additional businesses will follow the story until closer to the store’s opening.
Walker said another segment of roadway construction tied to the overall development should begin soon as infrastructure work continues in the area.
The Ruston location will be the first Buc-ee’s in Louisiana. Company officials have previously said the travel center will encompass approximately 74,000 square feet and feature 120 fuel pumps.
During the project’s groundbreaking ceremony last October, Buc-ee’s founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III said the store will offer Buc-ee’s signature Texas barbecue, brisket and jerky while also incorporating Louisiana favorites such as boudin.
The project is expected to create more than 200 jobs and serve as a catalyst for additional commercial growth along the Interstate 20 corridor.
Walker has viewed Buc-ee’s as more than a standalone travel center, anticipating it will help attract additional retail, restaurant and commercial development to the surrounding area.
As work continues toward the anticipated April 2027 opening, city officials are also focused on preparing the surrounding infrastructure needed to support future growth generated by what is expected to be one of the largest commercial developments in Lincoln Parish history.
