KEY TAKEAWAYS: Buc-ee’s is developing its first two Louisiana locations in Ruston and Lafayette. The Ruston location is projected to open in mid-2027 with more than 70,000 square feet and 100-plus fuel pumps. Lafayette’s roughly 74,000-square-foot location is now expected to open in early 2028 after delays. The new travel centers are expected to employ hundreds of workers and attract thousands of visitors daily.   Buc-ee’s, with its beloved beaver mascot and celebrated food items, will soon open its first ever locations in Louisiana. The chain of massive travel centers is expanding into other states and will be opening one location in Northeast Louisiana and another in the South Central region of the state. The stores are expected to generate millions in revenue, employ hundreds of workers and welcome thousands of visitors daily. When is Buc-ee’s location in Ruston, Louisiana expected to open? Construction crews have begun pouring concrete and laying additional groundwork for the Buc-ee’s building in Ruston, which will be located off of Interstate 20 at the Tarbutton road exit. Ruston’s Buc-ee’s location is projected to open mid 2027, but this could be subject to change depending on construction progress, according to the City of Ruston. Once completed, the location will span more than 70,000 square feet and include more than 100 fuel pumps. “This project continues to move forward step by step, and we’re excited to watch it take shape and share updates along the way as we get closer to opening day,” says the City of Ruston website. When is Buc-ee’s location in Lafayette, Louisiana expected to open? The Buc-ee’s location in Lafayette, which will be located off I-10 near Louisiana Avenue, was previously expected to open by July 2027. However, after some delays, the travel center is now projected to open in early 2028, according to KLFY. Site preparation and initial groundwork is underway, but there have been setbacks due to design and construction delays, as well as poor weather conditions. The site will span around 74,000 square feet, featuring about 120 gas pumps and nearly 700 parking spaces. Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at [email protected] This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Two Buc-ee’s race to open first in Louisiana. See when they plan to open Reporting by Presley Bo Tyler, Shreveport Times / Shreveport Times USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect ...read more read less