Colorado’s largest gas station, and one of the largest in North America, is now open. Buc-ee’s in Johnstown is the first of the brand’s several-to-come gas stations and stores in Colorado. The store opened to thousands of guests on Monday morning.

The store, which has more than 100 gas pumps and features more than 74,000 square feet of store floor, is expected to be the anchor of a major business boon in northern Colorado’s small town of Johnstown.

Johnstown Mayor Troy Mellon expressed his excitement about the new store, stating, ‘It’s awesome.’

The store was constructed at an intersection that has historically been farming land. Buc-ee’s arrival is expected to bring about significant changes in the area, as the town anticipates further retail and housing developments at the interchange.

Josh Smith, director of operations for Buc-ee’s, emphasized the positive impact of the store, saying, ‘Being that anchor store, it is overpowering to know these businesses are going to help each other out. That just gets translated right into Johnstown and the surrounding communities.’

Furthermore, the land across I-25 from the Buc-ee’s location is set to feature a grocery store, Murdoch’s, Starbucks, and other shopping and restaurant options. Additionally, nearby apartments and other homes are being constructed, further contributing to the area’s development.

Owner of Buc-ee’s, Arch ‘Beaver’ Aplin, highlighted the positive impact of the development, stating, ‘This was farmland. We put in a development that spurs other development, and that is really good back to the community.’