Buc-ee's has encountered a significant obstacle in its nationwide expansion after El Paso County, Colorado, officials denied a permit for a proposed mega travel center. The denial stems from the proposed development's scale and multi-faceted nature, which county planners determined does not align with the existing zoning classification for a standard convenience store.
County planners stated that the 74,000-square-foot facility, intended to include approximately 120 fuel pumps, extensive retail space, and Buc-ee's signature food offerings, combines too many commercial uses to fit the definition of a convenience store under the local Land Development Code. This ruling prevents Buc-ee's from proceeding with the project as currently planned.
The Texas-based retailer has 30 days to appeal the decision to the El Paso County Board of Commissioners. The proposed site is located about 20 miles north of Colorado Springs, where Buc-ee's purchased the land for approximately $10 million earlier this year. While convenience stores are permitted within the site's C-1 commercial zoning, planning staff found no prior approvals for developments comparable to Buc-ee's large-scale travel center model within the same district. A review of over two dozen convenience store approvals since 2007 revealed no projects of similar scope or operational impact.
The setback follows months of opposition from local residents who have raised concerns about potential increases in traffic, noise, and the overall impact on the surrounding area. Online reactions to the county's decision have been mixed, with some residents suggesting alternative locations and others supporting the potential economic benefits.
This decision comes as Buc-ee's continues an aggressive expansion across the country. The company currently operates over 55 locations in 12 states and plans to significantly increase its footprint over the next two years. A new location in Goodyear, Arizona, is scheduled to open this month, featuring a 74,000-square-foot center with 120 fuel pumps, which city officials anticipate will draw substantial crowds and potentially heavy traffic. Additional stores are planned for Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Tennessee, Florida, and Georgia by 2027, aiming for a presence in nearly 20 states by the end of 2025.
Founded in 1982, Buc-ee's has grown from a modest 3,000-square-foot store to a retail giant known for its extensive amenities and popular food items like brisket sandwiches and Beaver Nuggets. The company's unique model has led to record-breaking opening days at some locations, such as its first Ohio store, which reportedly generated over $1 million in sales on its opening day. However, expansion efforts have not been without challenges; a proposed location in Stafford County, Virginia, also faced local opposition over traffic concerns, though it ultimately received approval. The future of Buc-ee's presence in Colorado now hinges on the company's decision to appeal the El Paso County ruling or to revise its project plans.