LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- It's the holiday gift that many people (maybe) have been asking for: confirmation that the popular travel center Buc-ee's will build one of its next locations in Lafayette.
In a news release on Friday, the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, or LEDA, announced that Buc-ee's has picked Lafayette for a location and that the company will spend $82 million on the project. Approximately $12.5 million is for public infrastructure.
The Texas-based company was founded in 1982 and has grown to 50 locations across nine states, with plans to open 22 more locations in 15 states. The travel center chain is known for its clean restrooms, numerous gas pumps and unique snacks.
The Lafayette location will encompass more than 74,000 square feet and will provide about 120 gas pumps, according to the news release. The new travel center is also expected to create 150 jobs with pay starting at $17 per hour.
Mandi D. Mitchell, president and CEO of LEDA, said Buc-ee's is a project that signifies both a substantial investment in the community and a major boost to the local economy.
"The $82 million investment reflects the confidence Buc-ee’s has in our region. This new store will bring new investment and valuable jobs to North Lafayette, and it will attract even more new visitors to our community, further fueling the growth and vibrancy of our local economy,” Mitchell said.
"The development of this state-of-the-art travel center is a testament to Lafayette’s continued growth and attractiveness to major national companies, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on our economy and quality of life," she continued.
In the news release, Buc-ee's Director of Real Estate and Development Stan Beard said that Louisiana has been on the company's mind for a while.
"... We are proud to have Lafayette as our first partner in the southern half of the Pelican State," Beard said. "We have some preliminary work to get done before the fun part of the construction can begin, but we are excited to be an official community partner in Lafayette."
Since opening its first store outside of Texas in 2019, the company now has 50 stores in nine states, with plans to open 22 additional stores in 15 states. The travel center will be located at the Louisiana Avenue exit on Interstate 10 on land purchased from the Castille family, led by Mr. Charlie Castille.
To support the development, a special sales tax was approved to offset the company's public infrastructure investment costs over time.
“This is a milestone that marks a new chapter in Lafayette’s growth. Buc-ee’s will bring hundreds of jobs to the area and position Lafayette as a key destination for travelers. I look forward to welcoming Buc-ee’s to Acadiana. And I think the Buc-ee’s Corporation will enjoy being in Lafayette as much as we’ll enjoy having them,” said Lafayette Mayor-President Monque Boulet.
Site work and construction is expected to begin in early 2025 and the store will be fully operational by the second quarter of 2026.
