Costco to Open Stand-Alone Gas Station in Mission Viejo

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Artist's impression of Costco's upcoming gas station in Mission Viejo.

News Summary

Costco is set to debut its first standalone gas station in Mission Viejo, California, featuring a 17,234-square-foot fueling shelter with 40 pumps, exclusively for Costco members. The gas station, located on the site of a former Bed Bath & Beyond, is expected to open in Spring 2026. With a focus on competitive pricing, this facility aims to alleviate traffic at existing Costco locations. Construction is slated to begin this fall, contributing to Costco’s broader expansion plan that includes 27 new stores.

Mission Viejo, California – Costco is preparing to open its first stand-alone gas station in Mission Viejo, California, scheduled for Spring 2026. This new facility will be located at 25732 El Paseo, on a site previously occupied by a Bed Bath & Beyond store that is slated for demolition.

The upcoming gas station will feature a substantial 17,234-square-foot fueling shelter equipped with 40 pumps across 20 dispensers. It is designed to operate daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and will also include office space and a breakroom for employees. Fuel deliveries are expected to take place between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., with an average of eight deliveries per day, and the potential for deliveries as frequently as once every hour.

Costco plans to employ 2 to 4 staff members each day at the gas station. The facility is intended for use exclusively by Costco members, meaning only individuals with a Costco membership will have the ability to purchase fuel. Unlike other gas stations, this location will not include a convenience store or additional services, such as the well-known Costco $1.50 hot dog.

This new gas station initiative comes in response to Costco’s ongoing success in fuel sales, which accounted for approximately 12% of the company’s total sales in 2024. Recently, it was noted that extended operating hours at some existing gas stations contributed to achieving two of Costco’s highest weekly fuel sales on record.

In conjunction with this new station, Costco has also been working to expand its overall footprint, with plans to add 27 new stores by the end of the fiscal year. This includes three relocations and 24 new buildings, culminating in a total of 914 international locations.

Local competition will include gas stations operated by Circle K, Chevron, and BP. The Mission Viejo Planning and Transportation Commission approved the plans for Costco’s gas station in March, with construction expected to kick off in the fall. This project aims to alleviate traffic congestion at existing Costco warehouse locations by providing a dedicated fuel-only site nearby.

Analysts point out that the attraction to Costco gas stations largely stems from competitive pricing, which remains a significant draw for members. As of the end of the previous year, Costco operated 719 gas stations worldwide, generating substantial revenue from its fuel sales. This expansion in Mission Viejo marks another step in Costco’s commitment to enhancing their services and offerings for their members.