Buc-ee’s Louisiana: Ruston Opens April 2027 (Now Building)

Buc-ee’s Louisiana is an exciting new project for travelers and local residents. The company is building its first Louisiana travel center in Ruston, near Interstate 20 and Tarbutton Road. The store is expected to open in April 2027, although the City of Ruston currently describes the opening as a projected date that depends on construction progress.

The new location is planned to cover approximately 74,000 square feet, with 120 fuel pumps and a large shopping area. Visitors can expect Buc-ee’s popular snacks, barbecue, drinks, travel supplies, clothing, and clean restrooms. The project is also expected to create hundreds of jobs and bring more customers to nearby businesses. Construction has continued through 2026, and local reports have described progress on the building and surrounding infrastructure. This guide covers the expected opening, location, store features, jobs, investment, history, and future expansion of Buc-ee’s in Louisiana.

When will the Louisiana Buc-ee’s open?

The first Buc-ee’s in Louisiana is expected to open in April 2027. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker said in June 2026 that the construction supervisor had confirmed the project was still on track for that month. However, the city now describes the opening as a projected date, so visitors should watch for an official grand opening announcement.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 24, 2024, with Buc-ee’s founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III and local officials attending. Construction has since moved forward, bringing the project closer to completion.

The store will be the first Buc-ee’s location in Louisiana. It is expected to attract people from across the state, as well as travelers coming from Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi. The exact opening day, grand opening activities, and final store details should be confirmed closer to the launch.

Where exactly is the Ruston Buc-ee’s located?

The upcoming Ruston Buc-ee’s is located near Interstate 20 and Tarbutton Road in Ruston, Louisiana, in Lincoln Parish. The location offers access to a major east-west highway used by drivers traveling through northern Louisiana.

Ruston is approximately 35 miles west of Monroe and around 65–70 miles east of Shreveport. The store will provide a convenient stopping point for people driving between these cities and other destinations along I-20.

The development covers a large site, with reports describing approximately 82 acres for the overall property. Around 40 acres are planned for the travel center, while additional land may support future commercial development.

Detail	Information
Store name	Buc-ee’s Louisiana
City	Ruston, Louisiana
Parish	Lincoln Parish
Location	Near I-20 and Tarbutton Road
Expected opening	April 2027, subject to change
Planned store size	Approximately 74,000 sq. ft.
Fuel pumps	120 planned
Parking	Approximately 700 spaces
Expected jobs	Hundreds of permanent positions

Drivers should check official announcements for the final street address, entrance details, and directions before planning a visit.

How big is the Ruston Buc-ee’s and what will it offer?

The planned travel center will cover approximately 74,000 square feet, making it a large roadside shopping and fuel destination. It is expected to have 120 fuel pumps and around 700 parking spaces. These facilities should give visitors room to refuel, shop, eat, and take a break during their journeys. Buc-ee’s is known for its wide selection of food and snacks. Visitors can expect popular items such as Beaver Nuggets, beef jerky, barbecue, brisket sandwiches, fudge, kolaches, and cold drinks. The company is also known for its branded clothing, souvenirs, and other travel items.

The Ruston store is expected to offer Texas-style barbecue while incorporating Louisiana food favorites such as boudin. However, the complete menu has not yet been confirmed, so the final selection may be different. Clean restrooms are another important part of the Buc-ee’s experience. The company is famous for maintaining large restroom facilities at its travel centers. The Ruston location is expected to follow this approach, although its final restroom layout and other interior features have not been fully announced.

Buc-ee’s stores commonly operate around the clock, but travelers should check the official Ruston opening information for confirmed operating hours once the store is closer to completion.

How many jobs will the Ruston Buc-ee’s create?

The Ruston travel center is expected to create approximately 250 to 350 permanent jobs, according to the project’s published guide. These positions may include cashiers, food preparation workers, kitchen staff, cleaning employees, maintenance workers, supervisors, and managers.

Reports have mentioned starting pay of around $18 to $20 per hour for some entry-level positions, along with benefits such as health insurance and a 401(k) retirement plan. Actual pay and benefits will depend on the job, eligibility requirements, and final hiring terms.

Hiring interviews have been reported as expected in October or November 2026, before the planned opening. Applicants should check the official Buc-ee’s careers website for current vacancies and application instructions.

The project may also support other employment in Ruston. Construction companies, food suppliers, delivery services, hotels, and nearby businesses may benefit from the development and the additional visitors it brings.

Is Louisiana getting more than one Buc-ee’s?

A second Louisiana Buc-ee’s location has been reported as planned for Lafayette, with a target opening in 2028. Ruston is expected to open first, bringing the Buc-ee’s brand to Louisiana for the first time. The Lafayette project would extend the company’s presence farther south.

The two projects have separate schedules, and the Lafayette opening should not be treated as guaranteed. Construction, permits, and other development requirements may affect the timing. Ruston’s location along I-20 will serve northern Louisiana and travelers moving between Texas and Mississippi. A Lafayette location would serve a different group of drivers and could provide another stop for people traveling through southern Louisiana.

For now, Ruston remains the main location to watch for the state’s first Buc-ee’s opening. Travelers should follow official updates for information about both projects.

Why did Buc-ee’s choose Ruston, Louisiana?

Ruston offers a useful location for a large travel center because it sits along Interstate 20, an important route across northern Louisiana. The highway connects communities and cities across the southern United States, giving the store access to local drivers and long-distance travelers. The location also has a personal connection to Buc-ee’s founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III. His grandfather operated a general merchandise store in Harrisonburg, Louisiana, and Aplin spent summers working there. At the Ruston groundbreaking, he explained the importance of that family connection.

Ruston is also home to Louisiana Tech University, which brings students, families, sports fans, and other visitors to the area. The new travel center may encourage more people to stop in the city instead of simply driving through it. The combination of highway access, available land, and opportunities for local business growth makes Ruston a practical location for the company’s first Louisiana store.

How much did Buc-ee’s invest in Ruston?

The Ruston development includes the construction of the travel center and improvements to the surrounding infrastructure. The planned store will occupy a large site near I-20, requiring suitable road access and utility services. The project guide reports that the City of Ruston has invested more than $8 million in nearby road improvements. These improvements are intended to support the additional traffic expected when the store opens. The city’s infrastructure spending is separate from Buc-ee’s private construction investment.

Roads, turning lanes, utilities, and access routes are important for a travel center with many fuel pumps and hundreds of parking spaces. They help vehicles enter and leave the property while supporting traffic on nearby roads. The project is expected to contribute to Ruston’s long-term commercial development. Its overall economic impact will depend on visitor numbers, future businesses, and how the surrounding area develops after opening.

Will the Ruston Buc-ee’s affect I-20 traffic?

The new store is expected to increase traffic near Tarbutton Road and Interstate 20. Buc-ee’s locations attract drivers who stop for fuel, food, shopping, and restrooms, so the Ruston store may become a busy destination after opening. Some project reports have discussed a projection of approximately 15,000 vehicles per day around the development. This figure is an estimate, not a confirmed daily count, and actual traffic may be different once the store begins operating.

The city has been working on nearby infrastructure to prepare for increased vehicle movement. These improvements are intended to support access to the property and help manage the additional traffic. The project may also benefit local hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses. Visitors who stop in Ruston may spend money elsewhere in the city, particularly if they need accommodation or want to explore the area.

The grand opening could attract large crowds, so drivers should expect possible delays around the site during the first few days. Visiting after the initial opening period may offer a more relaxed experience.

How does Ruston compare to other new Buc-ee’s openings?

Ruston is part of Buc-ee’s wider expansion into new states and highway corridors. The company has continued to develop large travel centers that combine fuel stations, food counters, shopping areas, and restrooms in one location.

The Ruston store’s planned 74,000-square-foot building and 120 fuel pumps place it among the company’s large-format travel centers. Its main distinction is that it will be the first Buc-ee’s in Louisiana.

Location	State	Reported opening	Planned or reported size
Goodyear	Arizona	June 2026	About 74,000 sq. ft.
Benton	Arkansas	August 2026	About 74,000 sq. ft.
Ruston	Louisiana	April 2027 target	About 74,000 sq. ft.
Oak Creek	Wisconsin	April 2027 target	About 73,370 sq. ft.
Kansas City	Kansas	2027 target	About 74,000 sq. ft.
Mebane	North Carolina	Late 2027 target	About 74,440 sq. ft.

Opening dates and development details can change, so these figures should be checked against current official updates. Ruston’s importance comes from bringing the Buc-ee’s experience to Louisiana rather than simply adding another large store to the company’s network.

What Can Travelers Expect at Buc-ee’s Louisiana?

The upcoming Buc-ee’s Louisiana in Ruston is expected to offer much more than fuel. Visitors will be able to shop for popular snacks, fresh food, drinks, clothing, souvenirs, and other travel essentials. Famous Buc-ee’s products such as Beaver Nuggets, beef jerky, barbecue, brisket sandwiches, fudge, and kolaches are among the items travelers may look forward to finding. The store is also expected to feature spacious restrooms and a large parking area, making it a convenient stop for families and long-distance drivers using Interstate 20.

Buc-ee’s Louisiana Opening Date and Construction Progress

The first Louisiana Buc-ee’s is expected to open in April 2027. The project officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony on October 24, 2024, attended by company founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III and local officials. Construction continued through 2026, bringing the travel center closer to completion. Although April 2027 remains the reported opening target, the exact grand opening date has not been announced. Travelers should check official Buc-ee’s and City of Ruston updates for the latest construction news and opening information.

Buc-ee’s Louisiana Prices and Popular Food Items

Food will be an important part of the new Ruston travel center. Buc-ee’s is known for its fresh barbecue, brisket sandwiches, beef jerky, Beaver Nuggets, fudge, kolaches, and packaged snacks. These items attract travelers who want a quick meal or something to take on the road. The company has not yet released the complete menu or confirmed prices for the Louisiana location. Visitors should check the available menu after opening because prices may vary by item, portion size, and product selection.

Things to Know Before Visiting Buc-ee’s Ruston

The new travel center is being built near Interstate 20 and Tarbutton Road in Ruston, Louisiana, making it accessible to drivers traveling between Shreveport, Monroe, and other nearby destinations. The planned facility will cover approximately 74,000 square feet, with 120 fuel pumps and around 700 parking spaces. Since construction is still underway, the final entrance details, operating hours, and grand opening arrangements may be announced closer to completion. Visitors should confirm these details before planning a special trip, especially during the opening week when the store may attract large crowds.

Final Thoughts

Buc-ee’s Louisiana: Ruston Opens April 2027 (Now Building) is an important development for travelers and local residents. The planned 74,000-square-foot travel center, 120 fuel pumps, large shopping area, and popular food options are expected to make it a major stop along Interstate 20.

The project may also create hundreds of jobs and bring more visitors to Ruston, supporting nearby businesses and future commercial development. Its connection to the founder’s Louisiana family roots makes the location especially meaningful.

For now, April 2027 remains the expected opening target, rather than a confirmed grand opening day. Travelers and job seekers should follow official Buc-ee’s and City of Ruston updates for the latest information about construction, hiring, store services, and opening plans.

i. When will the Ruston Louisiana Buc-ee’s open?

The Ruston Buc-ee’s is expected to open in April 2027, according to reports from local officials. The exact grand opening day has not yet been confirmed, and the schedule may change.

ii. Where is the Louisiana Buc-ee’s being built?

The store is under construction near Interstate 20 and Tarbutton Road in Ruston, Lincoln Parish, Louisiana. It will serve drivers traveling through northern Louisiana.

iii. How many jobs will the Ruston Buc-ee’s create?

The project is expected to create around 250 to 350 permanent jobs. Reported starting pay for some entry-level positions is $18 to $20 per hour, although final pay and benefits depend on the role.

iv. How big will the Ruston Buc-ee’s be?

The planned travel center will cover approximately 74,000 square feet, with 120 fuel pumps and around 700 parking spaces.

v. Is another Buc-ee’s coming to Louisiana?

A second location in Lafayette has been reported as targeting a 2028 opening. Its schedule is separate from the Ruston project and may change.

vi. When will Buc-ee’s hire workers in Ruston?

Hiring interviews have been reported as expected around October or November 2026. Applicants should check the official Buc-ee’s careers website for current openings and application details.

vii. Why did Buc-ee’s choose Ruston?

Ruston sits along Interstate 20 and offers access to travelers moving across northern Louisiana. The city also has a personal connection to founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III through his family’s roots in Harrisonburg.

viii. How much traffic will the Ruston Buc-ee’s attract?

Reports have discussed a projection of approximately 15,000 vehicles per day around the development. This is an estimate, and actual traffic may differ after opening.

ix. What food will the Ruston Buc-ee’s offer?

Expected options include Beaver Nuggets, beef jerky, barbecue, brisket sandwiches, fudge, kolaches, and drinks. The final menu has not yet been officially confirmed.

x. Will Buc-ee’s Ruston operate 24 hours a day?

Buc-ee’s locations commonly operate around the clock. However, the official Ruston operating hours should be confirmed through company announcements before visiting.

What do customers say about the upcoming Ruston Buc-ee’s?

Because the Ruston store has not opened yet, News coverage has recorded positive expectations from local officials and company representatives. At the groundbreaking, Aplin expressed his excitement about the project and his connection to Louisiana, saying, “This is where my roots are from, so we’re super excited about it.”

This is a statement from the company’s founder, not a customer review. Local officials have also highlighted the project’s potential to create jobs, attract visitors, and encourage commercial growth.

After the store opens, visitors will be able to share genuine feedback about its food, service, restrooms, prices, and shopping experience. Until then, readers should rely on verified construction updates and official announcements rather than invented customer quotations.