Ruston, LA, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Ruston, LA is set to see the construction of a Buc-ee’s convenience store, a development that promises to enhance the local economy by generating hundreds of jobs. The store will span 74,000 square feet and is expected to break ground in July, with completion anticipated by late 2026. Mayor Ronny Walker highlights the significant traffic impact and job creation that this project will bring, along with a significant investment in local infrastructure to accommodate increased visitors.
Ruston, LA Prepares for Buc-ee’s Construction
Ruston, LA is gearing up for a major retail development with plans for a Buc-ee’s convenience store projected to significantly boost the local economy and create hundreds of jobs by late 2026. Mayor Ronny Walker announced the latest updates on the Buc-ee’s development, marking it as one of the largest retail projects in the city’s history.
The construction of Buc-ee’s is set to begin in July, with an expected completion timeline of 12 to 15 months. When completed, the store will cover approximately 74,000 square feet, surpassing the existing Buc-ee’s location in Terrell, TX, and will feature around 120 gas pumps and 700 parking spots, making it one of the largest travel centers in the region.
To prepare for the influx of visitors and increased traffic, Ruston has initiated an $8 million road work project aimed at improving local infrastructure, which is currently around 25% complete. Mayor Walker mentioned that the city plans to finish the necessary road work in 10 to 12 months, while the Buc-ee’s store construction will take an additional 12 to 15 months.
The Buc-ee’s location in Ruston is not only expected to generate significant traffic, with projections estimating around 15,000 vehicles a day—80% of which are expected to come from over 200 miles away—but it will also create an estimated 250-300 new jobs. Employees will receive competitive wages between $17 to $18 per hour, along with benefits such as a 401(k) plan and health insurance. This job creation is particularly significant for North Louisiana, especially for recent graduates from Grambling State University and Louisiana Tech University.
Buc-ee’s has acquired over 80 acres of land for this project, with plans for an additional 40 acres designated for potential future development. The combined economic impact of the Buc-ee’s project is anticipated to extend beyond Ruston, benefiting entities such as the Lincoln Parish School Board, the sheriff’s office, and the City of Grambling.
Mayor Walker has expressed frustration regarding the permitting process, which took nearly two years to secure state approvals—significantly longer than Lafayette’s six-month wait for a similar project. In addition to Buc-ee’s, Ruston is preparing for Louisiana’s first microchip manufacturing facility, further establishing the city as a growing hub for both retail and manufacturing.
In 2022, Ruston’s City Council, along with other local governing bodies, approved a tax incentive package to facilitate the Buc-ee’s project. U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy emphasized the crucial connection between public infrastructure investment and private sector growth, which helped bring Buc-ee’s to Ruston. The Buc-ee’s development marks the chain’s first location in Louisiana, with another store also underway in Lafayette.
Key Features of Buc-ee’s in Ruston
- Size: 74,000 square feet
- Number of Gas Pumps: Approximately 120
- Parking: 700 spots
- Job Creation: 250-300 new jobs
- Projected Wages: $17 to $18 per hour
- Projected opening date: Late 2026
- Road Work: $8 million investment, 25% complete
- Traffic Expectation: 15,000 vehicles per day
Future Development Potential
The future of Buc-ee’s in Ruston demonstrates a long-term vision for infrastructure and economic revitalization in the city. With a significant focus on job creation and regional growth, the Ruston Buc-ee’s is anticipated to serve as a gateway for visitors, enhancing the city’s stature as a retail and economic hub in North Louisiana.
FAQ
What is Buc-ee’s?
Buc-ee’s is a convenience store chain known for its extensive selection of snacks, clean bathrooms, and customer-friendly services.
When will construction begin for Buc-ee’s in Ruston?
Construction for the Buc-ee’s facility is set to begin in July.
What is the projected completion timeline for Buc-ee’s?
The estimated completion timeline is 12 to 15 months, with the store expected to open by late 2026.
How many jobs will Buc-ee’s create?
The development is expected to create 250-300 new jobs.
What is the expected wage for new jobs at Buc-ee’s?
Employees can expect to receive wages between $17 to $18 per hour, along with benefits like a 401(k) plan and health insurance.
What impact will Buc-ee’s have on Ruston?
The economic impact of the Buc-ee’s project is expected to extend beyond Ruston, boosting revenue for the Lincoln Parish School Board, sheriff’s office, and City of Grambling.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 74,000 square feet |
| Number of Gas Pumps | Approximately 120 |
| Parking Spots | 700 spots |
| Job Creation | 250-300 new jobs |
| Projected Wages | $17 to $18 per hour |
| Projected Opening Date | Late 2026 |
| Road Work Investment | $8 million |
| Traffic Expectation | 15,000 vehicles per day |
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