Everything is bigger in Texas and so is Colorado, as the new Buc-ee's is based in Johnstown.
After four years of planning and two years of construction, a popular gas station and quick-service hub opened its doors to a northern Colorado community on March 18th.
“(Stores like Buc-ee's) bring a lot to the community in terms of jobs, economic development and, as you can see in foot traffic, understanding what the best stores are here. ,” said Deanna Sloat, Director of Business Programs and Events. Loveland Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a big draw, and it’s going to draw businesses as well as all kinds of other things to the community.”
Buc-ee's is a cult favorite with locations in Texas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina, and Tennessee, featuring a full-service barbecue counter, fresh pastries, branded merchandise, It features clothing and luxury items specific to the location. food and 116 gas pumps.
Lines formed early the night before the opening, which featured a ribbon cutting, free T-shirts to the first 600 customers, and a chance for Coloradans to get a glimpse of the superstore.
“My sister works here, so I’m really excited for her,” Sloat said. “She's been working hard for this day to open, so I'm really excited. I'm surprised by the amount of people there. I shouldn't be, but I'm really surprised. Of course I need a brisket sandwich.” This is a big issue for the people of Colorado.”
At 74,000 square feet, this location is one of the largest Buc-ee's stores in the country, comparable to the largest Buc-ee's in Sevierville, Tennessee, which has a footprint of 74,707 square feet.
“When we open our doors at 6 a.m., I'm given the privilege of being able to do that,” said Josh Smith, director of operations. “It's always exciting to be able to do that, as the community is getting used to hosting us, so we can always provide a safe place to travel, be a great asset to the local community and help the local economy. can.”
Smith and other members of Buc-ee's management team attended the opening day as residents from Johnstown, northern Colorado, and other areas filled the store. Some guests wore Buc-ee merchandise, including dresses and full Bieber costumes.
The ribbon cutting was attended by state government representatives and officials from the City of Loveland and Johnstown governments, including the Mayor of Johnstown and members of the Loveland City Council, and spoke to the public about the economic growth expected for Johnstown and the surrounding area. told the people. As a result of the new location.
“I’m so excited to see Johnstown grow like this,” said Dixie Daly, Loveland Chamber of Commerce Business and Membership Director. “My son, daughter and I live here with our kids and it's really amazing to see this. And we're so grateful that they came here and we're so It's an honor.”
Buc-ee's in Johnstown is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is expected to generate $25 million in annual revenue for the local economy.
“The best moment was when I walked into the store, because I had never been to a Buc-ee's before, and it was amazing, it was amazing,” Dailey said. “I took pictures of things that I like. And the only thing they have is this cool pink glitter hat that I have to get.”
For Smith and the Buc-ee's leadership team, the Johnstown location is just the beginning.
“We're excited to be here in Colorado. It's been three years in the making,” Smith said. “It was an exciting time when we opened our doors at 6am this morning. We were finally able to show what we are and who we are, to the local economy and to everyone around us. Because we can start to have a local impact.”
Allie Seibel and Caden Proulx can be reached at news@collegian.com or on Twitter @CSUCollegian.
