The city announced on Wednesday that the Texas-based chain with the cult-like following closed on its purchase of land on the southeast corner of Bullard Avenue and Interstate 10.
Cue up a happy beaver dance.
“This is (a) huge milestone for the project and I couldn't be more excited that Buc-ee’s has chosen Goodyear,” Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo said in a press release. “It’s more than just a gas station or a convenience store. Buc-ee’s will provide our residents with what they’ve been asking for – which are more options – and that’s what they’ll get as our city continues to grow.”
The original story, which was first published on Jan. 23 and updated on Jan. 30, is below.
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The Goodyear City Council put out the welcome mat to Buc-ee’s on Jan. 29.
The council approved rezoning a site on the southeast corner of Bullard Avenue and Interstate 10 where the Texas-based chain of gas stations wants to build its first travel center in Arizona.
“I’m thrilled that Buc-ee’s is interested in Goodyear as a new location,” Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo said in a prepared statement after the council vote. “It’s more than just a gas station or a convenience store. Buc-ee’s could provide our residents with what they’ve been asking for — which are more options — and that’s what they’ll get as our city continues to grow. It would be a popular stop for visitors in the Valley, including spring training fans.”
The rezoning approval was the latest step in the company’s migration west. On Jan. 17, the Planning & Zoning Commission approved the rezoning application for the 71-acre plot of land.
Stan Beard, Buc-ee’s real estate and development director, applauded the council for Monday’s vote.
“We are happy to hear of the city’s decision tonight,” Beard said in a press release. “Buc-ee’s is continuing its process toward making Goodyear our first home in Arizona, and this was a really big step toward that goal.”
Buc-ee's is famous for its super clean restrooms, beaver mascot and deli-style counter. The food menu includes barbecue and tacos that leave people driving specifically in search of their nearest Buc-ee's location. For many Texans who live out of state, a pilgrimage is necessary anytime they return home.
The chain started in 1982 and now has almost 50 locations in states including Texas, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and more. There are currently no locations in Arizona or anywhere west of Texas, but that could soon change.
In the eight-page plan, Buc-ee's representatives explained that "the proposed rezoning and overlay will allow the site to develop as Buc-ee’s retail store with a service station and with industrial uses."
The land is currently being used for agriculture and the plan proposes that the westernmost portion of the lot, along Bullard Avenue, would become home to the Buc-ee's Travel Center. The development would include a 75,000-square-foot retail store and service station, 713 parking spaces and a Buc-ee's sign topped with a beaver logo that's 22 feet tall and a total of 380 square feet.
The Goodyear travel center would include 120 fueling stations for passenger vehicles. The convenience store would measure about 23% larger than a football field, according to the company, and create 200 full-time jobs.
The company has not announced a timeline for developing the site.
