COLORADO NEWS

Buc-ee’s celebrates its Colorado debut

Mar 18, 2024, 4:22 PM | Updated: Apr 9, 2024, 12:32 pm

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.

https://kosi1.wpengine.com/colorado-shines-bright-2-of-the-nations-top-25-places-to-live-are-here/

https://kosi1.wpengine.com/the-worst-fast-food-chain-in-america-now-only-has-one-location-left-in-denver/

Colorado News

(Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)...

Jenny D

Billionaire cheese heiress lists 450-acre Jefferson County compound for $30 million

Let me introduce you to your new favorite person you'll never meet — Gina Vecchiarelli, cheese heiress, billionaire, and apparently very casual mountain compound owner.

3 days ago

(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)...

Jenny D

Waymo vehicle makes inexplicable sudden stop in Denver, causes accident

Waymo says the vehicle stopped to yield to a pedestrian. The two human drivers involved? They say they didn't see a single soul crossing that street. Not one person. Zero.

3 days ago

(Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)...

Jenny D

Brother-sister duo keep stamp culture alive in Denver with family business

Ace Kauffman Rubber Stamp and Seal Co., downtown Denver. Support local, y'all.

3 days ago

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)...

Kathie J

American College of Sports Medicine names three Colorado cities among 100 fittest in US

Denver is  No. 5 on the list! Look at us. Colorado is healthy for you to live in and has two more cities in addition to Denver on America’s fittest […]

4 days ago

(Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images)...

Steve Marshall

See the concert lineup for 2026’s Colorado State Fair

Colorado’s biggest summer send-off is officially underway. The Colorado State Fair starts Friday in Pueblo and runs through Monday, Sept. 7 — giving you time to eat something on a […]

4 days ago

(Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)...

Jenny D

When to view Thursday’s partial lunar eclipse in and around Denver

A partial lunar eclipse is happening Thursday night into early Friday morning, and Denver has a pretty great seat

4 days ago

Buc-ee’s celebrates its Colorado debut