DENTON, Texas — Word has clearly gotten out that Buc-ee's is open for business. Monday was technically a soft opening for the newest Buc-ee's location in Denton on I-35.
"After two and a half years of construction, we're finally here. We're finally open," said Jeff Hand, general manager of the new location.
It's been a long time coming, and for the surrounding area, there's still a long way to go. The Denton location is just feet from construction work happening on Interstate 35. The expansion project isn't expected to be finished for at least the next seven months.
Deshmukh says the I-35E project would make the highway three lanes in both directions. Another project would increase the capacity of the roads leading in and out of the Buc-ee's.
"Obviously anytime there is construction in front of your business it's going to impact your traffic -- but as long as I've been with Buckee's, we are a destination so as long as they know you're there, they will find a way to get to you, so by no means am I expecting that to slow us down," Hand said.
The interstate isn't the only thing under construction. This lot right off the highway is owned by Buc-ee's and could soon host a variety of retail storefronts.
"Right now it's going to hurt this place because people aren't going to come here because of the highway. If the highway was finished, where they could get on an off the highway, they'd probably have a lot more business," said Billy Cruson a local who's lived in the area since 1948.
But at least on day one the business has come.
"It's a megastore, it's huge. It's got everything from candleholders to food, to Icee's, jerky, everything you can think of, I'm going to do a little shopping while I'm in there too," said Teresa Hampton, a local who works nearby.
With 50,000 square feet and 96 gas pumps, there's plenty of room for everything that has turned this pit stop in to a destination.