Buc-ee’s is Coming to Lafayette: Texas Giant Brings $82M Investment to Cajun Country
By The Bayou Insider Staff
April 15, 2025 | Lafayette, LA
Get ready, Acadiana—Buc-ee’s is officially rolling into town.
In a major win for Louisiana’s economy and travel culture, Buc-ee’s, the beloved Texas-based mega travel center, has announced an $82 million investment to build its first location in the state right off I-10 in Lafayette. The development is more than just a gas station—it’s a regional game-changer.
A Massive Development at the Heart of Cajun Country
The new Buc-ee’s will be located at the intersection of Interstate 10 and Louisiana Avenue in North Lafayette. With a proposed footprint of approximately 74,000 square feet, the site will feature:
Over 120 fuel pumps
700+ parking spaces
EV charging stations
And yes—the iconic beaver statue
It’s expected to become a major pit stop not only for travelers crossing the state but also for residents looking to experience the famous clean restrooms, endless snack options, and Buc-ee's signature brisket sandwiches.
Breaking Ground in 2025
Construction is slated to begin in early 2025, with an estimated opening in mid-to-late 2026. The announcement was made in coordination with the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) and local officials, who have worked closely with Buc-ee’s corporate team to secure the deal.
A portion of the funding—around $12.5 million—will go toward public infrastructure improvements, including road work, utilities, and site readiness. A 2% sales tax increment on Buc-ee’s purchases will help recoup these costs.
A Job Creator with Big Economic Potential
The Buc-ee’s project is expected to create at least 150 permanent jobs, with starting wages beginning around $17 an hour. The anticipated $9 million annual payroll is a boost to Lafayette’s economy and a welcome opportunity for working families.
In addition to direct jobs, local officials say the site could lead to an influx of surrounding business growth—new restaurants, retail spots, and tourism traffic all stand to benefit. The store alone is projected to bring in around $1.5 million in local sales tax revenue annually.
“This is a transformational moment for North Lafayette,” said Mandi Mitchell, President and CEO of LEDA. “Buc-ee’s is more than a business. It’s a destination.”
Why Lafayette?
Buc-ee’s has been slowly expanding beyond Texas in recent years, with locations now in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and other Southern states. The Lafayette site marks its first foray into Louisiana, and many believe it’s just the beginning.
The location offers key advantages:
Proximity to I-10, a major east-west corridor
Central positioning between Lake Charles and Baton Rouge
A growing local economy and welcoming community
Local leaders see the development as part of a larger revitalization effort in North Lafayette, bringing attention—and investment—to a historically underserved part of the city.
What to Expect
If you’ve never been to a Buc-ee’s, prepare yourself. It’s not your average gas station. Think:
Wall-to-wall snacks, from Beaver Nuggets to homemade fudge
Dozens of clean restrooms that have won national awards
Hot food stations with barbecue, sandwiches, and pastries
Buc-ee’s branded merchandise, t-shirts, and souvenirs
It’s a quirky, sprawling experience that Louisiana residents are already buzzing about.
Looking Ahead
While many in the state are thrilled about the announcement, some also hope that Buc-ee’s presence will spark further development across rural and suburban Louisiana—especially along travel corridors.
For now, Lafayette has secured a major economic win, and the countdown has begun. As construction signs go up and traffic cones appear, Cajun Country is preparing to welcome the beaver.
And if you hear someone say “Only in Texas”—tell them it’s time to update their map.