Lafayette approves $72 million Buc-ee's despite shifting 2028 opening estimate

Construction began Monday on the $72 million Buc-ee’s store in Lafayette, marking the physical start of a project whose opening date has moved from 2026 to potentially 2028. Founder Arch Aplin joined local and state officials at the northeast corner of Louisiana Avenue and Interstate 10 to cut the first piece of concrete.

The planned facility will span 74,000 square feet. It is designed to hold 120 gas pumps and nearly 700 parking spaces. Cleveland Construction, based in Naples, Florida, will serve as the contractor for the build.

The timeline for this project has fluctuated since Buc-ee’s purchased the land in December 2024. Early projections targeted a second-quarter 2026 opening. A company spokesperson later cited July 2027 as a possibility. More recent project documents suggest the store might not open until 2028.

Buc-ee’s typically completes store construction in 15 to 16 months. Its agreement with the Lafayette Economic Development Authority requires the company to use best efforts to finish within 36 months of receiving all necessary permits. The contract does not list financial penalties if the company misses that deadline.

The project includes public road improvements to handle increased traffic. City plans call for a new traffic signal south of I-10 and a third lane on Louisiana Avenue between the store and the westbound on-ramp. A third right-turn lane will also be extended from the westbound I-10 exit to the store entrance.

The Lafayette Economic Development Authority estimates the store will employ 150 people. It also projects the location will generate approximately $1.5 million in annual sales tax collections for the city.