Louisiana's First Buc-ee's Clears MAJOR Hurdle

RUSTON, La. (KPEL News) - America's favorite beaver mascot took a step closer to getting a foothold in Louisiana this week after the zoning commission in Ruston, Louisiana approved a site map for the establishment.

Now, Buc-ee's is closer than ever to its first Bayou State travel center.

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A crucial meeting is set for Friday in Baton Rouge to discuss the design of the Interstate 20 interchange for the upcoming project, Mayor Ronny Walker announced. That meeting is said to include state and federal transportation officials, along with representatives of Buc-ee's.

The Ruston location is the first of two planned Buc-ee's travel centers, the second being in the Lafayette area.

New Details Emerge Regarding Buc-ee's Expansion to Lafayette

In short, Buc-ee's is much closer to breaking ground in north Louisiana, bringing the state that much closer to being part of the beaver's empire.

"The mayor said Ruston's City Council will approve the 80-acre site plat that cleared the Ruston Planning and Zoning Commission during the council's next meeting Sept. 9," Greg Hillburn at the Shreveport Times noted. "Buc-ee's plans to use about 25 acres for its campus, while the other sections are reserved for future development."

"Walker said he remains confident Buc-ee's will meet its 2025 target date for opening the Ruston store," the story added.

What About Lafayette?

Back in June, we got wind of Buc-ee's looking into a south Louisiana location, and NOLA.com provided some crucial details.

"Kimley-Horn, which has done construction work for other Buc-ee’s sites around the country, has requested a variance with the Lafayette Consolidated Government’s Board of Zoning Adjustment for the project for landscaping, required parking spaces and other details," the news site said. "The development will cover nearly 500,000 square feet at the site that was years ago was pitched as a site for a Super 1 grocery store and an adjoining shopping center. Now Buc’ee’s wants to acquire most of the lot for the development with a 74,000-square-foot store, gas pumps and nearly 700 parking spaces."

The Lafayette location, if it clears all the red tape, is also slated for a tentative 2025 opening - which is a lot sooner than we expected.

First Timer at Buc-ee's?

The Texas chain that has become a national phenomenon has gained quite a following over the years. It is routinely a must-stop location on road trips for folks in Louisiana and all across the fruited plains.

Buc-ee's, a rest stop with a seemingly unlimited number of gas pumps on the outside and a massive convenience store on the inside, is growing at a rapid pace. Recently, the chain announced another 10 locations that would be added to its portfolio, and there's no reason to believe it won't keep growing.

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And while Louisiana fans are sad that we are only slated to get one location for the time being (though persistent rumors indicate one is coming to Acadiana before too long), there are still plenty of locations along the Interstates and highways we travel most.

But for every fan of the rest stop chain, there are scores of people who have simply never been. So, when someone on Facebook asked what the food items you absolutely have to get are, the post was flooded with a ton of helpful comments.

Credit: Buc-ee's Lovers/Facebook

Obviously, the beaver nuggets are near the top of the list for most folks. There is the clear bag of sweet, sugary beaver nuggets, but also savory flavors, like white cheddar.

There is also a white cheddar habanero for you spicy-food lovers out there.

Other must-gets include the jerky (get it right from the counter, not in the pre-sealed bags), and the barbecue sandwiches (brisket, especially).

But what are some of the other items you have to get, even once?

The Essential Buc-ee's Shopping List

Beaver Chips: If you have not tried the fresh-made chips from the barbecue bar (where you get those amazing brisket sandwiches), you need to give them a taste. When they're fresh out, they are some of the best chips you'll ever try.

Banana Pudding: Everybody's got a favorite family recipe for their banana pudding, but grandma can't always make it for you. The next best option is, without a doubt, getting a container of it from Buc-ee's on your next road trip.

Fudge: There are all sorts of house-made foods, but fudge is an absolute must-try at Buc-ee's. They come in a variety of flavors (the cookies'n'cream and banana pudding flavors stellar), and you can buy several for everyone to try.

Taffy: The taffy at Buc-ee's also gets rave reviews. Like the fudge, plenty of flavors for you to try, but it's not as rich as the fudge and you may find yourself eating more than you expected...

Breakfast Burritos: Most people know about the barbecue sandwiches served throughout the day, but did you know that in the morning the menu is a little different? The breakfast burritos - using the same meats they use the rest of the day - are just as popular in many places as the sandwiches. If you're passing through in the morning, you've got to try one.

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Other Must-Try Items: