Omaha will likely have its first Buc-ees soon, as the beloved Texas-based gas station chain announced Wednesday. The proposed addition would be in Gretna’s Good Life District south of Interstate 80 and Highway 31.
On Tuesday night, the Gretna City Council initially approved to annex 43 acres in the area. The proposed Buc-ee’s (which would be the first in Nebraska) would have 100 gas pumps alongside its 74,000-square foot facility. There are still two more rounds of city approval needed before the annexation would become official in March. If all goes according to plan, groundbreaking on Buc-ee’s will occur later this year.
“Buc-ee’s impacts not only Gretna but the metro Omaha a couple ways,” Omaha mayor Mike Evans told Hurrdat ONE. “Buc-ee’s has a big following and their numbers show much of their review is from hundreds of miles away. This not only offers a great local economic impact, it brings more out of state people into the area and the state. The more people that chose I-80 to travel on across our country, the more likely they are to stop a other locations across our state.These revenues bring out of state dollars to business and the state, which help diversify our tax base.
Construction for other locations has taken over a year, but it’s uncertain how long it will be before the proposed Buc-ees would be open. But given the hype around the gas station and the outpouring of excitement in Omaha upon the announcement, it would be worth the wait.
“Buc-ee’s locations employ over 100 people and have a history of paying their employees very well,” Evans said. “The most important impact it offers is providing our residents and those near-by a great amenity and place to visit, without driving hundreds miles. It’s such a fun experience with lots of great products. That’s what I am most happy about.
“First, it shows the Omaha market is capable of competing and bringing sought after destination experience/services. Omaha and Nebraska have a good story to tell and by landing these, it shares what we have to offer with more users. By landing Buc-ee’s it shows the incentives that the Good Life District provides work and I think this will start the momentum for more to come!”
Why Buc-ee’s Coming to Omaha is a Big Deal
Founded in 1982, Buc-ee’s has more than 50 locations nationwide and has developed a cult following for its retail selection and food offerings. Not only does Buc-ee’s have hundreds of popular brands and products, but it also has a culinary director that ensures the hot and cold food offerings, including breakfast, fresh-to-order sandwiches, and jerky, are well above standard gas station fare.
It’s the brisket that has the most fanfare at Buc-ee’s, which smokes the beef for 12-14 hours at a central smokehouse, where it’s sliced and served inside a soft bun with Texas-style BBQ sauce. Buc-ee’s pitmaster Randy Pauly, who’s competed on the Food Network competition show Chopped, heads up the BBQ program and keeps the quality high.
Buc-ee’s has a reputation for having remarkably clean bathrooms and essentially doubles as a small shopping mall. Buc-ee’s sells all kinds of items like camping supplies, cookbooks, candles, clothes, home goods, and more, not to mention its line of merchandise with its iconic beaver logo. And most Buc-ee’s are open 24/7, and the chain has gained national recognition by setting world records for the world’s largest convenience store and world’s longest car wash.
