Exciting News for Kansas City: Buc-ee’s is Coming to Town!

Exciting News for Kansas City: Buc-ee’s is Coming to Town!

Hey there, Kansas City! Get ready to welcome one of the biggest roadside attractions in the country—Buc-ee’s! This beloved travel center, known for its roaring gas stations and delicious snacks, is gearing up to open a new location just a stone’s throw away from the Kansas Speedway. That’s right! If you’ve never been to Buc-ee’s, you’re in for a treat!

A Busy Meeting and Big Plans

On Monday evening, the Wyandotte County Commissioners held a meeting where they officially approved the development plans for Buc-ee’s. It’s no small project, folks! The travel center will span an impressive 74,000 square feet, making it one of the company’s largest locations yet.

The new Buc-ee’s will sit snugly at the corner of Interstate 435 and Interstate 70. It’s strategically located right next to the Kansas Speedway, which promises to attract visitors from all around. And did we mention, they’re predicting up to 4 million visitors a year?! That’s a whole lot of people coming through our vibrant city!

Creating Jobs and Opportunities

Now here’s the cool part: Buc-ee’s doesn’t just bring tourists; it’s also set to hire around 175 full-time employees. That means new job opportunities for our community! According to Stan Beard, Buc-ee’s Director of Real Estate and Development, these jobs come with some pretty sweet perks. He mentioned that the average starting pay is between $17 and $20 an hour, even for those who may not have any experience.

But wait, there’s more! Along with great pay, employees can look forward to benefits like participation in a 401(k), and believe it or not, they’ll get three weeks of paid time off. Sounds like a win-win situation, right?

Delicious Food and Cool Features

So, what’s all the fuss about Buc-ee’s food? According to Stan, it’s all freshly made in-store. We’re talking about incredible BBQ, fresh coffee, and that iconic sweet and savory snack selection! “When you see freshly chopped up pineapple, someone in the back chopped it up. It didn’t come to the store like that,” Stan passionately explained. You’ll be getting some quality eats when you stop by!

The travel center will also boast an impressive 120 gas pumps and 12 electric charging stations. That’s quite the gas station setup, perfect for road-trippers and everyday commuters alike. It’s hard not to get excited about the convenience Buc-ee’s is about to bring.

Future Infrastructure Enhancements

As if Buc-ee’s alone isn’t enticing enough, significant changes are on the way for the surrounding area. There are plans to move the Village West Parkway and add a brand-new roundabout. Plus, improvements will be underway for the I-70 interchange—making it easier than ever to get to this new hot spot.

The Numbers Behind the Project

Now, let’s talk dollars and cents. The project is expected to cost about $95 million. It’s a significant investment in Wyandotte County, which includes a request for funding through Community Improvement District sales tax and Tax Increment Financing.

Construction is set to kick off before May 1, 2025, and the timeline indicates the work will be wrapped up within 24 months afterward. Who couldn’t use a new spot to visit and enjoy in the city?

Can’t Wait for Buc-ee’s!

Residents and officials are buzzing with excitement and anticipation over the news, especially with support from Kansas Speedway, who initially approached Buc-ee’s. They believe this development will be a major boost for the local area and a fantastic addition to our community. With their variety of entertainment options, Buc-ee’s is more than just a gas station—it’s a destination!

So, buckle up, Kansas City! Buc-ee’s is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store from this exciting new addition!