Buc-ee’s Nebraska: Gretna Store Coming Fall 2028

Buc-ee’s Nebraska is one of the most exciting upcoming travel center projects in the Midwest. Nebraska is preparing to welcome its first Buc-ee’s store in Gretna, a growing city southwest of Omaha. The new location is planned near Interstate 80 and Highway 31, making it a convenient stop for local residents and people traveling across the country. The planned Gretna Buc-ee’s is targeting a fall 2028 opening. The project received important approval from the Gretna City Council on July 29, 2026, including a development agreement and tax-based incentives. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, although the schedule may change as the project moves forward.

The new travel center is planned to cover around 74,000 square feet and offer more than 100 gas pumps, electric vehicle charging stations, food, drinks, snacks, and Buc-ee’s merchandise. The project is also expected to create 175 full-time jobs. This guide covers the planned location, opening timeline, store size, employment opportunities, tax incentives, nearby Buc-ee’s stores, and other important details about Buc-ee’s Nebraska.

Buc-ee’s Nebraska Quick Facts

Buc-ee’s Nebraska will be located in Gretna, near Omaha, and is planned as a large travel center rather than a small gas station. The project is confirmed, but the store is not open yet. The following table provides the main details currently available.

Feature	Details
State	Nebraska
Planned city	Gretna
Store status	Planned and approved for development
Expected opening	Fall 2028
Expected construction start	Early 2027
Planned store size	74,000 square feet
Planned site	Approximately 43 acres
Gas pumps	100–108 planned
EV charging	20 or more stations planned
Expected full-time jobs	175
Starting hourly pay	$19–$22
Nearby interstate	Interstate 80
Other major road	Highway 31
Nearest major city	Omaha
Development cost	More than $100 million
Potential tax incentives	Up to $32 million

These figures come from current project information and development reporting. Final construction plans, employment details, and opening arrangements may change before the store is completed.

When Will the Nebraska Buc-ee’s Open?

The Nebraska Buc-ee’s is expected to open in fall 2028 in Gretna. The target follows the development agreement approved by the Gretna City Council on July 29, 2026. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, leaving time for building work, equipment installation, inspections, and other preparations before the planned opening.

People in Nebraska have been waiting for a Buc-ee’s location because the brand is known for its large stores, wide selection of food, and clean restrooms. Once the Gretna location opens, residents will have a new option for buying fuel, taking a break during a road trip, and shopping for snacks and travel items.

However, fall 2028 is a projected opening period, not a guaranteed opening date. Large developments can face delays because of construction, permits, road improvements, weather, and other planning needs. Visitors should check the official Buc-ee’s website for the latest opening announcement before planning a special trip.

Nebraska Buc-ee’s Construction Timeline

The project has passed important local approval stages, but the main construction work is still ahead. The following timeline explains the expected progress.

Date or Period	Project Update
May 2026	Important zoning and development approvals advanced the project.
July 29, 2026	Gretna City Council approved the development agreement and related incentives.
Early 2027	Construction is expected to begin.
Fall 2028	Target period for the store opening.

The timeline may change as the project develops. For now, the main point is that Nebraska’s first Buc-ee’s is planned for Gretna, with fall 2028 as the current target.

Where Exactly Is the Gretna Nebraska Buc-ee’s Located?

The planned Buc-ee’s Nebraska location is at the southeast corner of Interstate 80 and Highway 31 in Gretna, Nebraska. It is part of Gretna’s Nebraska Crossing Good Life District, near the existing Nebraska Crossing shopping area and east of the Flying J truck stop.

This location is important because Interstate 80 is a major highway that connects communities across the central United States and continues west toward destinations such as Colorado and California. Drivers traveling between Omaha and Lincoln will also be able to reach the area without making a long trip away from the interstate.

The planned development covers approximately 43 acres, with the Buc-ee’s travel center occupying a large portion of the site. Its position near a major highway and an established shopping destination should help attract local customers and people passing through Nebraska.

Distance From Major Cities

Gretna is southwest of Omaha and east of Lincoln. Its position makes it a possible stop for travelers moving through Nebraska on Interstate 80. The following table gives approximate distances and driving times from nearby cities and other major destinations.

City or Region	Approximate Distance	Estimated Drive Time
Downtown Omaha, Nebraska	20 miles east	25 minutes
Council Bluffs, Iowa	25 miles east	30 minutes
Lincoln, Nebraska	40 miles west	40 minutes
Des Moines, Iowa	130 miles east	2 hours
Kansas City, Missouri	185 miles south	2 hours 45 minutes
Denver, Colorado	495 miles west	7 hours 30 minutes
Cheyenne, Wyoming	440 miles west	6 hours 45 minutes
Chicago, Illinois	470 miles east	7 hours

These are approximate travel estimates and can change with traffic, weather, road conditions, and the starting point. The new store will be especially convenient for drivers traveling along Interstate 80.

How Big Will the Gretna Buc-ee’s Be?

The Gretna Buc-ee’s is planned as a 74,000-square-foot travel center on a site of approximately 43 acres. This is a large store format similar to several newer Buc-ee’s locations in other states. It will offer much more than fuel, giving visitors space to shop, eat, and take a break from driving.

The current plans include 100 to 108 gas pumps and at least 20 electric vehicle charging stations. Reports differ on the exact number of fuel pumps, so the final number should be confirmed when the construction plans are completed.

Inside the store, customers can expect the kinds of products and services that make Buc-ee’s popular. These commonly include fresh food, sandwiches, barbecue, bakery items, packaged snacks, drinks, sweets, clothing, souvenirs, and travel supplies. The exact menu and product selection for Gretna have not yet been announced.

Buc-ee’s is also known for its clean and spacious restrooms. This is an important feature for people traveling long distances who need a comfortable place to stop. The store is expected to follow the brand’s large travel center model, although final facilities and operating details will depend on the completed plans.

The new location is expected to become one of Nebraska’s largest travel centers. Its size, fuel facilities, food selection, and shopping area should make it different from a traditional roadside gas station.

How Many Jobs Will the Gretna Buc-ee’s Create?

The planned Gretna Buc-ee’s is expected to create 175 full-time jobs. These positions could provide employment opportunities for people living in Gretna, Omaha, and other nearby communities.

The project information lists starting wages of approximately $19 to $22 per hour. Benefits are expected to include health insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and paid time off, although applicants should confirm the final terms when official job listings become available.

A large travel center needs workers in several areas. Potential positions may include cashiers, food preparation staff, kitchen workers, cleaning staff, customer service employees, stockroom workers, and managers. These are typical roles at Buc-ee’s stores, not a confirmed list of vacancies for the Nebraska location.

Management positions may offer higher pay depending on the role and experience required. However, applicants should not treat estimated management wages as guaranteed offers for this store.

What Is the Nebraska Good Life District and How Does It Work?

The Good Life District program is an economic development tool used to support qualifying projects in Nebraska. It can provide certain tax-based incentives to help attract major businesses, encourage investment, and support development in selected areas.

The Gretna Buc-ee’s project qualifies for potential incentives connected to sales tax revenue and occupation taxes. According to the development information, the total incentives could reach $32 million.

The reported breakdown includes up to $23 million in Good Life District sales tax reimbursements and approximately $9 million in occupation tax incentives. These incentives are connected to the project’s development and the tax revenue it is expected to generate.

This does not mean that the city simply pays the full amount to Buc-ee’s immediately. The incentives are structured around applicable tax revenues and the approved development agreement. The exact payments and conditions depend on the agreement and the project’s progress.

Supporters believe the incentives can help attract a major business that may bring additional visitors, create jobs, and encourage other businesses to open nearby. The new travel center could also increase spending at restaurants, hotels, shops, and other local businesses.

Why Did Buc-ee’s Choose Gretna, Nebraska?

Gretna offers several advantages for a large travel center. One of the biggest reasons is its location near Interstate 80, a major east-west route used by local drivers, commercial traffic, families, and people traveling across the country.

The city is also part of the Omaha metropolitan area. This gives the planned store access to a large population of nearby residents, as well as visitors from other communities. Customers will not need to rely only on long-distance travelers to support the business.

Another important factor is the Nebraska Crossing shopping district. This area already attracts shoppers and visitors, making it a suitable place for a business that combines fuel, food, shopping, and travel services. People visiting Nebraska Crossing may also choose to stop at Buc-ee’s when it opens.

The state’s Good Life District incentive program was another part of the project’s financial plan. These incentives helped make the development more attractive by supporting eligible costs through a tax-based structure.

The project is also expected to attract customers from outside the immediate area. Development estimates suggest that a significant share of visitors could travel from far away, including people passing through on Interstate 80.

Together, the highway location, nearby population, shopping district, and development incentives help explain why Gretna was selected for Nebraska’s first Buc-ee’s.

How Much Will Nebraska’s Buc-ee’s Generate in Tax Revenue?

The planned Gretna Buc-ee’s is projected to generate more than $35 million in annual taxable sales. This figure is an estimate of sales activity, not the amount of tax revenue the city or state will receive. The development estimates suggest that around one-third of the store’s customers may come from outside the wider region. Many of these visitors could be travelers using Interstate 80 to reach other states.

Out-of-state spending can be important for local economies because visitors bring money into the area when they purchase fuel, food, drinks, and other products. A large travel center can also encourage people to stop nearby, which may benefit other businesses.

The project is expected to create employment and could support further development around Nebraska Crossing. Restaurants, hotels, shops, and other services may benefit if the area attracts more visitors after the store opens.

However, these benefits are not guaranteed. Actual sales, tax revenue, employment, and nearby business growth will depend on customer demand and the completed store’s performance. The value of the public incentives will also need to be considered alongside the tax revenue generated.

For Gretna and Nebraska, the key question will be how the travel center performs once it begins operating. The projected sales figure provides an idea of the project’s expected scale, but actual results will only become clear after opening.

How Does Gretna Nebraska Compare to Other New-State Buc-ee’s?

Buc-ee’s is continuing to expand into new parts of the United States. Several planned locations are expected to bring the brand to states where it does not yet have an established store. Gretna stands out because it will be Nebraska’s first location and is targeting a later opening than several other planned projects. Its proposed size of 74,000 square feet follows the large travel center format used at many newer locations.

The Gretna project is also expected to offer starting wages of $19 to $22 per hour. This is higher than the estimated starting wage ranges listed for several other new-state projects in the comparison below.

New State	Planned City	Target Opening	Expected Jobs	Estimated Starting Pay
Louisiana	Ruston	April 2027	250–350	$18–$20 per hour
Wisconsin	Oak Creek	April 2027	Around 200	$18–$20 per hour
Kansas	Kansas City	Fall 2027	Around 200	$18–$20 per hour
North Carolina	Mebane	November 2027	200–300	$18–$21 per hour
Nebraska	Gretna	Fall 2028	175	$19–$22 per hour

The dates, job numbers, and wages are projections and may change. Opening schedules can also be updated as individual projects move through planning and construction. For Nebraska residents, the main difference is the wait. Some other new-state locations are expected to open before Gretna, so travelers may have the opportunity to visit those stores first.

People who want to explore other locations can also use the Buc-ee’s locations guide to check existing stores and follow planned openings.

What Is the Nearest Buc-ee’s to Nebraska Right Now?

Nebraska does not yet have an open Buc-ee’s store. Until the Gretna location opens, residents will need to travel to another state to visit the brand. The Springfield, Missouri, Buc-ee’s is one option listed for Nebraska travelers. It is located along Interstate 44 and is approximately 380 miles southeast of the Gretna area, with an estimated drive of around five and a half hours. The exact journey will depend on the starting point and traffic conditions.

Another important option is the planned Buc-ee’s in Kansas City, Kansas. Its opening is targeted for fall 2027, before the expected opening of the Nebraska store. Once open, it is expected to be a more convenient choice for many travelers from eastern Nebraska.

Colorado’s Johnstown area is another possible destination for people traveling west, although the journey is much longer for most Nebraska residents.

Nearby Buc-ee’s Options Before Fall 2028

Location	Status	Approximate Distance From Gretna	Travel Information
Springfield, Missouri	Existing store	About 380 miles southeast	Around 5 hours 30 minutes
Kansas City, Kansas	Planned for fall 2027	About 185 miles south	Expected to become a closer option
Johnstown, Colorado	Existing location	About 495 miles west	Around 7 hours 30 minutes

Distances and driving times are approximate. The most suitable store depends on where the journey begins and which highway the driver is using.

If you plan a Buc-ee’s road trip before fall 2028, check the opening status of the Kansas City location first. Its expected opening could give Nebraska residents a closer alternative before their own store is completed.

What to Expect When Buc-ee’s Nebraska Opens

When the Gretna store opens, customers can expect a large travel center with fuel, food, drinks, shopping, and facilities for road travelers. The brand is especially popular for its variety of snacks and prepared foods, as well as its large stores and clean restrooms.

Buc-ee’s is known for products such as Beaver Nuggets, beef jerky, barbecue sandwiches, kolaches, fudge, and branded clothing. These are examples of items commonly associated with the chain; the final menu and stock at Gretna have not been announced.

The planned fuel pumps and EV charging stations should give drivers several ways to refuel or recharge. The store’s position near Interstate 80 may also make it useful for people taking long trips across Nebraska.

Opening day could attract large crowds, especially because this will be the state’s first location. Visitors should allow extra time for traffic, parking, and queues during the first few days or weeks. Checking local road updates before leaving home may also help.

Once the store opens, customers should check official information for its operating hours, food service times, charging facilities, and other services. These details should not be treated as final until they are confirmed.

The Gretna location will give Nebraska residents a new place to experience the Buc-ee’s travel center concept without having to travel as far into another state.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Gretna Buc-ee’s is targeting fall 2028. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, but the opening date may change as work progresses.

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

The planned store is at the southeast corner of Interstate 80 and Highway 31 in Gretna, Nebraska, within the Nebraska Crossing Good Life District. It is about 20 miles southwest of downtown Omaha.

iii. How big will the Gretna Buc-ee’s be?

The planned travel center will cover approximately 74,000 square feet on a site of about 43 acres. Current plans include 100 to 108 gas pumps and at least 20 EV charging stations.

iv. How many jobs will Nebraska Buc-ee’s create?

The project is expected to create around 175 full-time jobs. Reported starting wages are $19 to $22 per hour, with benefits expected to include health insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off. Final employment terms should be confirmed through official job listings.

v. How much did Nebraska approve in incentives for Buc-ee’s?

The project may qualify for up to $32 million in tax-based incentives. The reported breakdown includes up to $23 million in Good Life District sales tax reimbursements and around $9 million in occupation tax incentives.

vi. Why did Buc-ee’s choose Gretna, Nebraska?

Gretna offers access to Interstate 80, the Omaha metropolitan area, and the Nebraska Crossing shopping district. The state’s economic development incentives also helped support the project’s financial plan.

vii. How much revenue will Gretna Buc-ee’s generate?

The development estimates project more than $35 million in annual taxable sales. This is a forecast, not a confirmed result, and actual sales will only be known after the store opens.

viii. Will Nebraska get more Buc-ee’s after Gretna?

As of October 2026, Gretna is the first and only confirmed Nebraska location covered by this project information. No additional Nebraska stores are confirmed in the available details. Future expansion will depend on company decisions and market conditions.

ix. What is the nearest Buc-ee’s to Nebraska right now?

The Springfield, Missouri, store is listed as an existing option about 380 miles southeast of Gretna. The planned Kansas City, Kansas, store is expected to open in fall 2027 and could become a closer option for many Nebraska residents.

x. How does Gretna Buc-ee’s compare to the neighboring Flying J?

The planned Gretna Buc-ee’s will be much larger than a typical Flying J travel stop, with approximately 74,000 square feet of store space. Buc-ee’s focuses on passenger vehicles and generally prohibits large commercial trucks and 18-wheelers from using its travel center, while Flying J serves professional truck drivers as well.

Conclusion

Buc-ee’s Nebraska is expected to open in Gretna in fall 2028, bringing the brand’s first travel center to the state. The planned location near Interstate 80 and Highway 31 offers access to Omaha, Lincoln, and travelers moving across the country. The project includes a 74,000-square-foot store, more than 100 planned gas pumps, at least 20 EV charging stations, and around 175 full-time jobs.

The development is also expected to support local spending and bring more visitors to the Nebraska Crossing area. The project has received important local approval and may qualify for up to $32 million in tax-based incentives. However, construction and the final opening schedule are still subject to change.

For now, Nebraska residents will need to visit a Buc-ee’s in another state if they want to experience the brand in person. The planned Kansas City, Kansas, store may provide a closer option before the Gretna location opens. Keep checking official Buc-ee’s updates for the latest news about Buc-ee’s Nebraska, its construction progress, employment opportunities, and the fall 2028 opening target.

Public Reviews

·  “Any time you can bring that into Gretna and Omaha, Nebraska, I think that’s wonderful.” — Kathy Kead, quoted by WOWT.

 ·  “Always heard nothing but good about Buc-ee’s. Makes me curious to try it.” — Reddit commenter.

 ·  “Let’s fucking go!! Brisket and Dr. pepper slushies everyday!!” — Reddit commenter reacting to the announcement.

  ·  “It will bring a lot of people to that area.” — A Reddit commenter discussing the potential impact.

  ·  “Buc-ee’s is very meh.” — A skeptical Reddit commenter sharing a different opinion.