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Press Release, June 1, 2026

Buc-ee’s Adds To Growing West Valley Entertainment and Tourism Corridor

With GSQ, Westgate, Desert Diamond Casino, and regional attractions like the White Tank Mountains and Wildlife World Zoo, the West Valley is evolving into Arizona’s next-generation destination hub.

Summary:

Buc-ee’s is opening its first Arizona location in Goodyear on June 22, bringing a 74,000-square-foot “destination travel center” expected to employ roughly 300 workers and draw regional traffic. What’s notable is how this fits into a larger trend. The West Valley is increasingly positioning itself as a destination corridor, with projects like GSQ, Westgate, Desert Diamond Casino, and attractions like Wildlife World Zoo and the White Tanks building momentum. As the Business Journal noted (April 2025), the area has become the “retail darling of metro Phoenix,” with major developments like Prasada and Verrado Marketplace moving forward. This Buc-ee’s project is another signal that the West Valley is shifting from a pass-through market to a destination for retail, tourism, and experience-driven development.

Buc-ee’s Selects Goodyear for First Arizona Location, Adds to West Valley’s Growing Entertainment and Tourism Corridor

West Valley, AZ — Buc-ee’s, the Texas-based travel center operator known for its large-format destination locations, will open its first Arizona site in Goodyear on June 22 at 6:00 a.m., marking a significant addition to the West Valley’s expanding portfolio of destination-driven retail and entertainment assets.

The 74,000-square-foot facility, featuring approximately 120 fueling stations, an expansive food hall, private-label retail offerings, and the company’s widely recognized customer amenities, represents one of the largest travel center developments in the region. The location will operate 24 hours a day.

The Chamber of Commerce welcomed Buc-ee’s into the regional business community, positioning the project as part of a broader shift toward “retailtainment”—large-scale destinations that blend retail, dining, and entertainment into a single attraction.



“Buc-ee’s is more than a travel stop—it’s a destination that will bring new energy, visitors, and opportunity to the West Valley,” said Raoul Sada, President & CEO of the Chamber. “We’re proud to welcome them and invite the community to join us in celebrating this milestone.”

West Valley Emerging as a Regional Destination Hub

The Buc-ee’s development adds to a growing concentration of regional assets that are reshaping the West Valley into a next-generation entertainment and retail destination.

Key projects and destinations contributing to this growth include:

• GSQ (Goodyear Square) and other mixed-use developments
• Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale
• Desert Diamond Casino and other gaming destinations
• Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park
• White Tank Mountains Regional Park
• Specialty retail concepts and locally driven brands, including emerging concepts such as Kickin’ Hot Sauce and other destination-oriented businesses

This clustering of assets reflects a broader trend noted by the Phoenix Business Journal (April 2025), which described the West Valley as “the retail darling of metro Phoenix,” citing a wave of major developments moving into construction.

According to the report, large-scale projects such as the continued buildout of Prasada in Surprise and the planned Verrado Marketplace in Buckeye are expected to deliver additional retail, restaurant, and entertainment options beginning in 2026—further accelerating the region’s growth trajectory.

Together, these developments signal a shift in the West Valley’s economic profile—from a historically residential and commuter-driven area to a destination market competing for tourism, leisure spending, and regional visitation.

Employment Impact and Workforce Demand

Buc-ee’s is expected to be a large-scale employer in the region. A typical location employs approximately 300 workers, reflecting the operational demands of its 24/7 model and expansive footprint.

The company is hiring across multiple roles, with pay starting around $20/hour. Department managers start at about $33/hour, and management salaries begin around $125,000 annually, with benefits included.

Job seekers can apply at:

👉 https://buc-ees.com/careers/

Economic Development Implications

Projects of this scale are widely viewed as traffic generators and economic anchors, capable of driving secondary development and increasing consumer activity in surrounding areas.

For the West Valley, Buc-ee’s is expected to:

• Attract regional and interstate visitors
• Support adjacent retail, restaurant, and hospitality growth
• Increase the region’s visibility for future investment
• Reinforce the ongoing shift toward experience-driven economic development

The Chamber emphasized that continued infrastructure coordination and long-term planning will be important as visitation increases alongside the region’s expanding portfolio of destination assets.

Grand Opening

The public is invited to attend the June 22 grand opening at 6:00 a.m. in Goodyear and experience Buc-ee’s first Arizona location.

Community Impact/Donations

Buc-ee’s is committed to giving back and supporting the communities it serves. Learn more: https://buc-ees.com/contributions/