Costco to Open Standalone Gas Station in Mission Viejo

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Proposed design of the new Costco gas station opening in Mission Viejo.

News Summary

Costco is planning to launch its first standalone gas station in Mission Viejo, California, in spring 2026. Located in a shopping center at 25732 El Paseo, this station will feature 40 fuel pumps and is expected to attract around 9,500 vehicles daily. While it will not offer traditional convenience store items, Costco aims to streamline fuel access for its members, enhancing overall service while maximizing operational efficiency. The move is part of Costco’s broader strategy to adapt to customer needs and improve membership value.

Mission Viejo, California

Costco is set to open its first standalone gas station in Mission Viejo, California, with a projected launch date in the spring of 2026. This station will be located in a shopping center at 25732 El Paseo, specifically at the site of the former Bed Bath & Beyond store.

The new gas station will feature 40 fuel pumps, making it the largest gas station operated by Costco to date. Construction is expected to commence in fall 2025, in line with the company’s expansion plans. The fuel services at this location will be exclusively for Costco members, who pay an annual membership fee that ranges from $65 to $130.

Despite the size and scope of the gas station, it is important to note that the facility will not include any conveniences such as a convenience store or retail space. Items commonly available at Costco’s food courts, such as hot dogs, rotisserie chicken, or chicken bakes, will not be sold at this gas station.

Traffic estimates indicate that the gas station could attract approximately 9,500 vehicles daily. Its strategic location just off the busy 5 freeway, one of the most heavily trafficked roads in the United States, is anticipated to contribute to this significant traffic volume.

Costco has a long-standing history of operating gas stations, having opened its first in 1995. The addition of this standalone location will enhance Costco’s gas service offerings, which already generated around $30 billion in revenue for the company last year. This decisive revenue stream is a crucial segment of Costco’s overall business model.

The standalone gas station is designed to reduce congestion at existing Costco warehouse locations. Many of these spots experience overcrowded parking lots and long lines at the gas pumps. By creating a fuel-only destination, Costco aims to streamline the experience for members who prefer to access fuel without having to navigate the larger wholesale shopping experience.

This development is part of Costco’s broader strategy to meet the evolving needs of its customer base and enhance the value of membership by providing access to lower gas prices. Moreover, this new site may serve as a model for future standalone gas stations in other regions, particularly where there is a high density of Costco members.

As Costco continues to innovate and evolve its services, this new venture underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing convenience for its members while maximizing operational efficiency. The planned gas station in Mission Viejo exemplifies this forward-thinking approach, catering to a community increasingly reliant on easy access to fuel at competitive prices.