Buc-ee’s approval puts Goodyear ‘on the map,’ as Texas chain opens first Arizona store

By Alexandra Hardle for azcentral.com

Goodyear is one step closer to having its very own Buc-ee’s Travel Center, Arizona’s first.

The Goodyear City Council unanimously approved the necessary rezoning for the project on Monday night. Earlier this month, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved the project.

The Texas-based gas station chain has a cult following and is known for its large selection of products and clean bathrooms.

The 71-acre development site is located at the southwest corner of Bullard Avenue and Interstate 10. The new rezoning will allow for at least 50,000 square feet of retail space, with a gas station that is not a truck stop, Interim Planning Manager Christian Williams explained to the City Council. The rezoning would also allow for a car wash if the company chooses.

It would allow for other uses, such as hotels, restaurants or large retail users.

Wendy Riddell, with the law firm Barry Riddell representing the company, emphasized further that Buc-ee’s is not a truck stop. There are plenty of signs at Buc-ee’s locations that state that semi-trucks are not permitted on the property at all, which is a policy the company takes very seriously in enforcing, Ridell said.

According to documents submitted to the city, the company plans to develop the western portion of the property, while the eastern portion will be developed for industrial uses. The Buc-ee’s is planned to be about 75,000 square feet.

Several City Council members expressed excitement about the development. Councilmember Sheri Lauritano said the Buc-ee’s will be a win for all of the surrounding properties that aren’t yet developed. The company will help to bring additional developers to the city and increase tax revenue, Lauritano said.