Buc-ee’s has announced the opening date for its San Marcos travel center, representing a significant expansion for the Texas-based convenience store chain along the Interstate 35 corridor.
The new location is scheduled to open on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 6:00 a.m.
Located near Yarrington Road in San Marcos, the travel center represents a $47.2 million investment and has been under construction since early 2025.
A Major New Addition to Central Texas
The San Marcos store will feature:
- Approximately 74,000 square feet of retail space
- More than 100 fueling stations
- Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
- Buc-ee’s standard large-format travel center design
The store will offer the chain’s established product selection, including:
- freshly carved brisket sandwiches,
- beef jerky,
- homemade fudge,
- bakery products,
- and the Beaver Nuggets snack line.
Economic Impact
When fully operational, the location is expected to employ approximately 175 full-time workers.
The project was first registered in 2024 and officially broke ground in January 2025 with support from City of San Marcos officials, Hays County leaders, and regional economic development stakeholders.
Local officials have characterized the project as a substantial economic investment for one of Texas’s fastest-growing regions.
Strategic Positioning Along Interstate 35
The new travel center expands Buc-ee’s presence within one of the state’s most active transportation corridors.
Positioned between Buc-ee’s New Braunfels location and Buc-ee’s Temple location. The San Marcos store is one of the closest to Buc-ee’s locations in Texas.
The company is capitalizing on rapid population growth, increasing commuter traffic, tourism activity, and commercial development throughout Central Texas.
Construction Timeline
The project’s timeline evolved during development:
- Initial state filings suggested a spring 2026 opening.
- Construction progress later shifted expectations into the summer.
- The project ultimately remained on track for an August debut.
After more than a year of construction, the facility is now entering its final stages as crews complete finishing work.
Significance of the Project
The San Marcos project reflects several broader Texas business trends:
- Continued expansion of major Texas-based brands
- Population growth along the Austin–San Antonio corridor
- Increased demand for large-format travel centers
- Growth in roadside retail and EV infrastructure
- Ongoing commercial development in Hays County
The opening further establishes Buc-ee’s as a prominent and expanding retail brand in Texas.
Source Details
- Publication: MySA (My San Antonio)
- Article Title: $47M Buc-ee’s sets opening date for new highly anticipated Texas store
- Author: Nicholas Hernandez, New Braunfels Digital Reporter
- URL: https://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/buc-ees-san-marcos-opening-date-august-2026-22279341.php