COLORADO NEWS

Buc-ee’s celebrates its Colorado debut

Mar 18, 2024, 4:28 PM | Updated: Mar 19, 2024, 11:39 am

Colorado is now home to the world’s largest convenience store.

Buc-ee’s, a large-format travel center and gas station, made its westward expansion official with the debut of its flagship store in Johnstown, Colo., Monday.

Hundreds waited in line for the grand opening, with many going so far as to camp out several days in advance. As 6 a.m. rolled around, the patrons were welcomed in by Buc-ees’ beaver mascot.

The 24/7 convenience store, situated at 5201 Nugget Road, is hard to miss with its 116 fuel pumps and 12 electric vehicle charging stations. 

Although the Colorado location takes the cake for the largest Buc-ee’s location at over 74,000 square feet, its reign will be short-lived. “Everything’s bigger in Texas” rings true — Buc-ee’s in Luling, Texas, will occupy about 75,000 square feet and is anticipated to open later in 2024.

The 48th location held its groundbreaking ceremony in June of 2022 on the southwest corner of Interstate 25 and County Road 48 in the Weld County town, located directly north of Denver. 

With a population of just over 18,000, Buc-ee’s is anticipated to have a sizable economic impact on Johnstown. It’s predicted to draw over 8,000 cars per day and bring in millions of dollars in sales tax revenue annually, and has already hired around 275 employees. The total earnings for the Johnstown location alone are expected to land around $25 million each year.

The Texas-based store, which holds the world records for the largest convenience store and longest car wash, has developed a cult following, which can be largely attributed to its snack options including Beaver Nuggets, Kolaches, fudge, jerky and fresh-cut brisket (announced with the call, “Fresh brisket on the board!”). Its signature beaver onesies and award-winning clean restrooms don’t hurt in terms of differentiating the chain from other travel centers, either.

Until 2019, the Buc-ee’s brand was exclusive to the Lone Star State, but migrated to Robertsdale, Ala., in January and expanded into the southeast. Texas is home to 34 of the gas stations, with Colorado’s being the westernmost.

Ice cream cones at Colorado Dairy Queens are free tomorrow, and there’s no catch

Here’s where to get free photos with the Easter bunny in Denver

Colorado News

Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images...

Shawn Patrick

What’s the giant circus tent in the Ball Arena parking lot?

If you’re on I-25 near Elitch Gardens or Ball Arena anytime soon you’ll notice a giant blue and white circus tent setup in the parking lot. So, what is it? […]

8 hours ago

Photo by Jim Vondruska/Getty Images...

Shawn Patrick

Here are the best ways to help Texas flood victims from Colorado

The horrific events that have now taken the lives of nearly 100 people and affected thousands of others in the Texas Hill Country are breaking our hearts, and we know […]

9 hours ago

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)...

Shawn Patrick

Despite being historically bad, the Colorado Rockies have a player headed to the All-Star Game

Good news stories about the Colorado Rockies are few and far between these days, so anytime something cool happens with the team I feel like I have to take advantage! […]

9 hours ago

Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images...

Shawn Patrick

Former car thief from Colorado is now using his skills to help police

Even if your skills are illegal, they can help for good, and here’s proof! A reformed car thief from Colorado who estimates he stole up to 200 vehicles between 2015 […]

10 hours ago

...

Big Mic

No Swimming in Cherry Creek Reservoir

As Denver lines up for an almost 100 degree week, one place you will probably want to avoid jumping in to cool down is Cherry Creek Reservoir, as officials have […]

16 hours ago

Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Stagecoach...

Shawn Patrick

KYGO’s Birthday Bash with Koe Wetzel – Know before you go

98.5 KYGO’s 45th Birthday Bash is this Sunday (July 6) at Fiddler’s Green. Tickets are still available, so whether you already have yours or you plan on getting them soon, […]

5 days ago

Buc-ee’s celebrates its Colorado debut