LOUISIANA - The race to bring the Beaver to the Bayou State has seen a few speed bumps, but the finish line is finally in sight. While eager fans were hoping for a 2026 opening, recent updates confirm that Ruston is on track to become the home of the first-ever Buc-ee’s in Louisiana, with a grand opening now targeted for early 2027.
Ruston: The First to Cross the Finish Line
After a celebrated groundbreaking ceremony in October 2025 attended by Governor Jeff Landry and founder Arch "Beaver" Aplin III, construction is now active at the Ruston site.
- Location: The facility is being built off Interstate 20 at the Tarbutton Road exit, positioned to capture traffic between Shreveport and Monroe.
- Timeline Adjustment: Originally targeting a late 2026 launch, the project timeline has shifted slightly to ensure the necessary infrastructure improvements—specifically, the widening of Tarbutton Road and bridge ramps—are completed to accommodate the significant increase in traffic. The new target for cutting the ribbon is January or February 2027.
- The Specs: The Ruston travel center will featureae standard 74,000-square-foot store, 120 fueling positions, and more than 200 full-time jobs for the local economy.
Lafayette: The Second Wave
The State second planned location in Lafayette has encountered many challenges.
- Location: Planned for the northeast corner of Interstate 10 and Louisiana Avenue.
- Delays: While site preparation began in 2025, the project encountered significant delays due to severe weather and design adjustments. Construction was temporarily paused in late 2025 but is expected to resume full force this spring.
- New TiTimeline: Originally projected to open alongside, or even before, Rustonn, the Lafayette location is now targeting a mid-to-late 2027 opening. This effectively cedes the title of "Louisiana's First" to Ruston, though it will still serve as a crucial stop for travelers on the busy I-1corridor. What's on the Menu?
When the doors finally open in 2027, Louisiana residents will get their first local taste of the Texas giant's greatest hits, possibly with a Cajun twist:
- The Classics: Freshly chopped brisket, Beaver Nuggets, and pristine restrooms.
- Local Flair: At the groundbreaking, officials indicated that the Louisiana locations might be the first to feature regional favorites, such as boudin, alongside the traditional kolaches, acknowledging the State unique culinary heritage.
For now, Louisiana drivers will have to wait just a little longer—or make the drive across the Texas or Mississippi borders—to get their fix.