The convenience store chain will open its first location in Louisiana in 2026.
PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss — The Texas-based convenience store chain Buc-ee’s opened its first Mississippi location early Monday, drawing travelers from across the Gulf Coast to one of the nation’s largest travel centers.
The 74,000-square-foot store sits just off Interstate 10 at the Menge Avenue exit in Harrison County. It features 126 gas pumps, 24 electric vehicle charging stations, and 165 toilets.
The project represents an investment of $80 million, according to local officials. The site is expected to create over 200 jobs, offering full benefits, a 6% matching 401(k), and three weeks of vacation for employees. The company said starting wages are above the state’s minimum wage.
Officials expanded a two-lane bridge to five lanes with $15 million in Harrison County funds to accommodate expected traffic increases. The store, located about 60 miles from New Orleans, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Buc-ee’s first announced plans for the Mississippi site after opening an out-of-state location in Robertsdale, Alabama. Construction on the Pass Christian location began in September 2023.
Buc-ee’s in Louisiana
The new location in Mississippi comes after the popular Texas convenience store chain, known for its large size, canceled its plans to expand to Louisiana, but then reversed course.
According to WBRZ, a company representative said Tuesday the decision was made because the company could not secure additional locations in the state.
“To date, we have only been able to secure one site,” said Jeff Nadalo, the company’s general counsel, in an email to WBRZ. “As a result, we have decided not to move forward in Baton Rouge.”
The Baton Rouge location was set to be the first store outside of Texas. It was planned at the Millerville exit on I-12.
Buc-ee’s is now coming to Ruston, Louisiana, sometime in 2026. Officials broke ground on the next Buc-ee’s location, which will be the first in the state.
“This is a tremendous project. We are so grateful that Buc-ee’s has decided to locate its first travel center in the state here in Ruston. The capital investment is huge and the 200+ jobs being created are extraordinary for the citizens of Ruston. We are excited to welcome Buc-ee’s to our community and look forward to their success. This project has been in the works for several years and would not be possible without our wonderful City Council members. I would also like to say thank you to the Lincoln Parish School Board, the Lincoln Parish Police Jury, and the Lincoln Parish Sheriff for their partnership in this project,” said Jade West, Economic Development Director for the City of Ruston, in a press release.
“This is a huge win for Ruston and all of North Louisiana. We are thrilled that Buc-ee’s saw the potential in our city and are so glad they are locating the first Buc-ee’s in Louisiana here in Ruston. The economic impact of this development is substantial and something the community will continue to benefit from for years to come. I am excited to see the additional development and indirect economic impact that will stem from this project. Our community is well-positioned for future growth and success.”
The store will be located off the I-20 Tarbutton Exit.
If construction goes as planned, Ruston will finish its $8 million infrastructure project to improve the Tarbutton Road Interstate 20 interchange in 10 to 12 months, while construction of the Buc-ee’s campus will take 12 to 15 months.
► Get breaking news from your neighborhood delivered directly to you by downloading the new FREE WWL-TV News app now in the IOS App Store or Google Play.