Costco to Open First Standalone Gas Station in Mission Viejo

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An artistic representation of the new Costco gas station set to open in Mission Viejo.

News Summary

Costco is set to open its first standalone gas station in Mission Viejo by spring 2026. Located at the former Bed, Bath & Beyond site, the facility will have 40 pumping stations and will exclusively serve Costco members. Construction is expected to start in fall 2025, following city approval. This project is part of Costco’s expansion strategy, responding to local demand for accessible fuel while competing with existing gas retailers in the area.

Mission Viejo, California is set to welcome Costco’s first standalone gas station by spring 2026. The gas station will be located at 25732 El Paseo, a site previously occupied by Bed, Bath & Beyond, which encompasses a vacant 35,000-square-foot property. This move is a part of Costco’s extensive expansion strategy and comes on the heels of record performance from its gas stations, with the company achieving two of its “all-time highest gallon weeks” in April.

The facility will provide fuel exclusively to Costco members and is planned to feature a 17,234-square-foot fueling canopy, equipped with 40 pumping stations (20 dispensers). This substantial operation emphasizes Costco’s commitment to enhancing its service offerings for local members. The gas station is expected to significantly decrease travel times for residents, as many currently drive to neighboring areas to purchase fuel.

Construction of the gas station is projected to commence in the fall of 2025, with completion and opening slated for spring 2026. City officials have already approved Costco’s construction plans, which include the demolition of the former retail building to make way for the new facility. The $3 million project will involve specialized accommodations, including an accessory office and a break room for employees. Staffing will involve two to four Costco employees at any given time during operating hours.

The proposed hours of operation for the gas station are from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Fuel deliveries are expected to happen once an hour during specific times, summing up to approximately eight deliveries each day between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.. Interestingly, the gas station will focus solely on fuel sales, opting not to provide any additional goods or services.

This forthcoming gas station stands to be Costco’s largest fuel facility to date, adding to a global network of approximately 700 gas stations that collectively account for around 12% of the company’s net sales in 2024. As part of its aggressive expansion plans, Costco aims to open 27 new locations worldwide, which includes both new constructions and relocations. This endeavor will elevate the total number of Costco locations to 914 by the end of the fiscal year.

Despite the potential for success, the new gas station will face competition from existing fuel retailers in the area, such as Circle K, Chevron, and BP. However, Mission Viejo’s Mayor has expressed optimism regarding the station’s ability to attract a significant volume of motorists, potentially drawing “thousands of drivers” to the site.

As Costco moves to solidify its footprint in the region, the Mission Viejo gas station represents a clear response to local market needs, expanding access to fuel for its membership base. With residents expected to benefit from shorter travel distances and the convenience of a dedicated fuel facility, the upcoming project reflects Costco’s strategy of combining retail and essential services to enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction.