As Buc-ee’s continues to grow its footprint across the U.S., the chain is one step closer to opening its first store in Indiana with the Greenwood Common Council approving plans for an $85 million location, according to local outlet WTHR.
Buc-ee’s initially submitted plans for the travel center to the Greenwood Advisory Plan Commission in June.
The site is planned to stand at 74,000 square feet and feature 120 gas pumps. It would sit on 37 acres of land and include space for electric vehicle (EV) charging. The store would employ up to 200 full-time employees.
The land is located south of Worthsville Road, just east of Interstate 65.
Buc-ee’s representative Scott Ratcliff told WTHR that they chose Greenwood “because it’s a great place to live and work.” He also said Buc-ee’s plans to invest between $13 million and $15 million to improve traffic in the area.
Competition in the Hoosier State
Buc-ee’s move to Indiana comes as a familiar face makes its presence known in the market. Wally’s — a three-store chain out of Fenton, Mo. — opened its first Indiana location in Whitestown this past June. Like Buc-ee’s, Wally’s is known for massive, expansive c-stores designed to serve as destinations rather than quick pit stops.
Wally’s 53,000-square-foot Whitestown location is the chain’s third in total, and the largest in its network. Situated along Interstate 65, Wally’s President and CEO Michael Rubenstein told local outlet IndyStar that the chain is “creating an elevated travel experience for the family traveler.”
“There’s a growing segment of the market, and people are looking for foodservice, clean restrooms and an experience,” he continued.
The store will offer a wide range of foodservice and beverage offerings, merchandise, fuel and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
The Whitestown store, according to IndyStar, will feature more than 84 fuel pumps and 20 EV chargers.
Additionally, Altoona, Pa.-based Sheetz announced plans in April to enter Indiana, marking a “significant step” in the chain’s long-term growth plans in the Midwest, it noted in a statement at the time.
Sheetz will open its first store in the state next year, slated for Indianapolis. Overall, the retailer plans to build 100 c-stores in Indiana over the next 10 years, investing almost $1 billion in the market.
The move is expected to create more than 3,000 long-term jobs.
Stay tuned for more updates from CStore Decisions.
