Keith Urban offers his fans a free, “casual” show at Buc-ee’s Store
Country star Keith Urban surprised his fans at a Buc-ee’s in Alabama with an impromptu concert that attracted hundreds of spectators.
The groundbreaking of Buc-ee’s first store in Ruston, Louisiana, moved closer this week after the city’s planning commission approved the site plan for the travel center. Mayor Ronny Walker also said a key meeting is scheduled for Friday in Baton Rouge to discuss the design of the Interstate 20 interchange to accommodate the project.
Walker said his meeting Friday would include state and federal transportation officials as well as representatives from Buc-ee’s to discuss the design of the interchange and access road.
“The meeting will involve all partners to make sure everything goes according to plan, which we believe will be the case,” Walker said in an interview with USA Today Network.
In April, city, state and Federal Highway Commission officials signed a memorandum of understanding approving the design concept for the Interstate 20 interchange and access road. However, to move forward, the infrastructure plan still needs final approval.
“I think we can get as close to the finish line as possible on Friday,” Walker said.
Walker praised Joe Donahue, Governor Jeff Landry’s new transportation secretary, for “accelerating the process from the day he was appointed.”
The mayor said the Ruston City Council will approve the plan for the 80-acre site, which was approved by the Ruston Planning and Zoning Commission, at its next meeting on Sept. 9. 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 that Buc-ee’s will meet its target date of opening the Ruston store in 2025.
Ruston and Lafayette are in an unofficial competition to be the first Buc-ee’s in Louisiana. The Lafayette store is also scheduled to open in 2025.
Buc-ee’s, with its mascot, the toothy beaver, has achieved cult status among travelers who view the stores as destinations rather than giant grocery stores.
Each Buc-ee’s offers a wide selection of jerky, roasted nuts and other culinary delights, such as the signature Buc-ee’s Beaver Nuggets (similar to caramel popcorn), fudge, beef brisket and sausage on a stick.
The Ruston City Council, Lincoln Parish School Board and Lincoln Parish Police Board approved a tax incentive package that will get the project started in 2022.
Headquartered in Lake Jackson, Texas, the company has more than 40 stores in seven southern states and Colorado, but none in Louisiana.
However, the company’s origins lie in Louisiana, where Buc-ee’s owner Arch “Beaver” Aplin III worked in his grandfather’s general store during his childhood summers.
“Opening a Buc-ee’s in Louisiana is like a homecoming for our family,” the Beaver said in a previous statement to USA Today Network. “We are very excited to have Buc-ee’s come to Ruston.”
Buc-ee’s will create at least 200 new full-time jobs with a starting wage of $16 an hour, benefits including three weeks of paid vacation and a 401k plan with company matching.
More: Buc-ee’s moves closer to breaking ground on its first store in Ruston, Louisiana
Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.
