Buc-ee's opens first Arizona store in Goodyear, creating jobs and stirring local business concerns

Texas‑based travel‑center chain Buc‑ee’s opened its first Arizona location in Goodyear, a 74,000‑square‑foot facility with 120 fuel pumps that operates 24 hours a day. The store is expected to create more than 200 jobs and draw heavy traffic from motorists traveling the I‑10 corridor.

The opening is part of Buc‑ee’s broader national growth plan that includes 15 additional sites slated for 2026 and further locations through 2031, expanding the chain beyond its Texas roots into the Southwest, South and Midwest. Local officials anticipate increased tax revenue and visitor numbers, while nearby businesses are watching the impact closely.

Ass Kickin’ Gift Shop, a specialty hot‑sauce and snack maker that has operated in Goodyear since 2001, is situated across the street from the new Buc‑ee’s. Owner Linda Jacobs said the chain’s popularity could boost overall traffic and city revenue, but expressed uncertainty about how the influx of visitors might affect the shop’s customer base and traffic flow. The shop continues to sell its products regionally and online, distinct from Buc‑ee’s retail model.