Buc-ee's Nebraska: Gretna Store Coming Fall 2028 (Complete Guide)
Nebraska's first Buc-ee's is officially coming to Gretna, Nebraska, at the southeast corner of Interstate 80 and Highway 31 in the Nebraska Crossing "Good Life District." The Gretna City Council approved the $100 million development agreement on July 29, 2026, providing up to $32 million in tax-based incentives. Construction is expected to start early 2027 with a target completion of fall 2028. Plans call for a 74,000 square foot travel center with 100 to 108 gas pumps, 20+ EV charging stations, and 175 full-time jobs starting at $19 to $22 per hour. The site sits directly along I-80, one of the country's most important cross-country corridors, about 20 miles southwest of downtown Omaha. Below is the complete breakdown of what's coming, timeline, incentives, and how it compares to other new-state Buc-ee's openings.
When will the Nebraska Buc-ee's open?
Nebraska's first Buc-ee's is targeting a fall 2028 opening in Gretna, per the July 29, 2026 development agreement approved by the Gretna City Council. Construction is estimated to start early 2027, giving roughly 18 to 21 months of build time (Buc-ee's typical timeline). Nebraska residents face a wait of about two years from now, longer than any of the other newly-confirmed Buc-ee's states.
Where exactly is the Gretna Nebraska Buc-ee's located?
The Gretna Buc-ee's will be built on 43 acres at the southeast corner of Interstate 80 and Highway 31, within Gretna's Nebraska Crossing "Good Life District" and east of the existing Flying J truck stop. This is a strategically prime location, sitting directly on one of the country's busiest east-west interstate corridors, about 20 miles southwest of downtown Omaha and roughly 60 miles east of Lincoln.
| City / Region | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE (downtown) | ~20 miles east | ~25 min on I-80 |
| Council Bluffs, IA | ~25 miles east | ~30 min on I-80 |
| Lincoln, NE | ~40 miles west | ~40 min on I-80 |
| Des Moines, IA | ~130 miles east | ~2 hr on I-80 |
| Kansas City, MO | ~185 miles south | ~2 hr 45 min via I-29 |
| Denver, CO | ~495 miles west | ~7 hr 30 min on I-80 |
| Cheyenne, WY | ~440 miles west | ~6 hr 45 min on I-80 |
| Chicago, IL | ~470 miles east | ~7 hr on I-80 |
How big will the Gretna Buc-ee's be?
The Gretna store will span 74,000 square feet with 100 to 108 gas pumps (sources vary) and 20+ EV charging stalls. This is standard mega-format size, matching Buc-ee's newest locations in Arkansas (Benton), Arizona (Goodyear), and Texas (San Marcos). It sits on 43 total acres. The store will be significantly larger than the neighboring Flying J truck stop and will become the largest travel center in Nebraska by a wide margin.
How many jobs will the Gretna Buc-ee's create?
The Gretna Buc-ee's is projected to employ 175 full-time workers at wages starting at $19 to $22 per hour. Every position includes health insurance, 401(k) retirement, and paid time off. Management roles pay significantly more, typically $28 to $35+ per hour. This is the highest starting wage of any new-state Buc-ee's confirmed for 2027-2028, reflecting Nebraska's tighter labor market.
What is the Nebraska Good Life District and how does it work?
Nebraska's Good Life District program is a state economic development tool passed by the Nebraska Legislature in 2023 to compete for large national brands. Districts can offer sales tax reimbursement incentives to qualifying projects. Buc-ee's Gretna is eligible for up to $23 million in Good Life District incentives from a portion of the sales taxes the store generates, plus $9 million in occupation tax incentives. Total potential incentives reach $32 million on the $100M project.
Why did Buc-ee's choose Gretna, Nebraska?
Buc-ee's picked Gretna for four strategic reasons: Interstate 80 is one of the country's most important east-west corridors connecting Chicago to California, Gretna sits at the western edge of the Omaha metropolitan area with strong population density, the Nebraska Crossing shopping district already draws millions of visitors annually, and the state's Good Life District incentive program made the economics work. Roughly one-third of expected customers will come from outside 300 miles.
How much will Nebraska's Buc-ee's generate in tax revenue?
Buc-ee's projects the Gretna store will generate more than $35 million in annual taxable sales, with approximately one-third coming from out-of-state travelers (drivers passing through on I-80). Even after tax incentives, the state and city of Gretna expect significant net tax revenue. Local officials also project the store will spur additional restaurant, hotel, and retail development in the surrounding Nebraska Crossing area.
How does Gretna Nebraska compare to other new-state Buc-ee's?
Gretna is the northernmost Buc-ee's confirmed to date, tied with Wisconsin's Oak Creek store (opening April 2027). It opens later than the other four new-state stores confirmed for 2027, giving Nebraskans a longer wait. The starting wages ($19-$22/hr) are the highest of any new-state opening. Store size and pump count match the standard 74,000 sq ft mega format. Explore every current Buc-ee's location on our interactive map or the nearest existing store guides.
| New State | City | Opening | Jobs | Wages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | Ruston | April 2027 | 250-350 | $18-$20/hr |
| Wisconsin | Oak Creek | April 2027 | ~200 | $18-$20/hr |
| Kansas | Kansas City | Fall 2027 | ~200 | $18-$20/hr |
| North Carolina | Mebane | Nov 2027 | 200-300 | $18-$21/hr |
| Nebraska | Gretna | Fall 2028 | 175 | $19-$22/hr |
What is the nearest Buc-ee's to Nebraska right now?
Until Gretna opens in fall 2028, the closest existing Buc-ee's to Nebraska is Springfield, Missouri on I-44, about 380 miles southeast (roughly 5 hours 30 minutes drive). Kansas City, Kansas opens fall 2027 and will become the closest Buc-ee's to Nebraska at about 185 miles south of Gretna (Kansas City is a full year before Gretna). Colorado's Johnstown Buc-ee's is 495 miles west via I-80.