San Marcos will soon add another I-35 tourist attraction as Buc-ee’s begins construction on its newest travel center, which will feature familiar staples like barbecue, fudge, kolaches and Beaver Nuggets.
Buc-ee’s plans to break ground on its San Marcos location at the southwest corner of Yarrington Road and I-35 on Jan. 29 at 2 p.m., with Mayor Jane Hughson and County Judge Ruben Becerra expected to attend, according to a news release.
The overview
The San Marcos Buc-ee’s will span 74,707 square feet and is projected to be completed by the end of 2025, with an estimated cost of $47 million, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
The travel center will feature 128 fueling stations and is expected to bring more than 200 full-time jobs to the area, according to the news release.
The San Marcos Buc-ee’s will be one of the largest in the area, falling just 886 square feet short of the world’s largest convenience store, which is currently held by the Buc-ee’s in Luling at 75,593 square feet.
Digging deeper
The San Marcos City Council first considered a Chapter 380 Economic Development Incentive Agreement with Buc-ee’s in February 2024 and gave final approval in March, following discussions about the company’s working conditions.
During the March 5 council meeting, council member Alyssa Garza raised concerns about allegations of poor working conditions at Buc-ee’s, including employees not receiving appropriate breaks. In response, Christian Smith, the city’s Economic and Business Development Manager, pointed to Buc-ee’s employee retention rates and the benefits the company offers.
In a presentation to City Council, Buc-ee’s projected it would create 200 to 225 full-time jobs, with a minimum of 175 positions required to operate the store during a pandemic. The starting wage is expected to be $18 per hour, including benefits, with an additional $2 per hour for overnight shifts.
“I think of this as a positive way to provide employment to those of us who don't have a college degree, who don’t rely on our four-years in college... This is good for them, this is 24 hours, these are things that are going to help build a foundation for these people,” council member Matthew Mendoza said in the March 5 meeting. “I don’t want to make it seem like this is not important for the underserved people of our city.”
Although the incentive agreement allows Buc-ee’s to receive a 50% refund on sales tax generated by the company over a 15-year term, Buc-ee’s has agreed to donate $100,000 to the city’s community fund, according to city documents.
Environmental impacts
The travel center will not be located within any Edwards Aquifer Zone or Water Quality Zone, according to the presentation given to City Council.
Buc-ee’s has also agreed to incorporate several water conservation features, including a rainwater harvesting system, the first for the company, along with a rain-sensor irrigation system, oil-water separators and high-efficiency water fixtures, according to the presentation.
Additionally, to prevent light pollution, all exterior light fixtures will be fully shielded, directed 100% downward and mounted as low as possible.
Notable quotes
"The Buc-ee's mantra is ’exceed expectations’; this San Marcos location is a special step for us in that regard,” Stan Beard, Buc-ee’s director of real estate and development said. “The San Marcos store will help us provide the ultimate Buc-ee's experience to all I-35 travelers, north and southbound."
