Cardholders, rejoice! Membership-only retailer Costco is opening its first standalone gas station in Mission Viejo, California. But if you’re looking for a hot dog or Costco’s iconic deals with your full tank, you’ll have to keep looking.
Located about two miles away from the nearest Costco, the Mission Viejo station will not only standalone, but will also become the company’s biggest gas station, stacked with 40 pumps.
25732 El Paseo is the reported address of the new station, which is currently a shuttered Bed, Bath, & Beyond store. The station will be located in the Orange County city, off the 5 freeway.
Construction is expected to begin this fall, with a projected opening date of Spring 2026, reports CSP Daily News.
“The city of Mission Viejo is excited that Costco will build its first standalone gas station in Mission Viejo and become a new business partner for the Freeway Center,” Mission Viejo Mayor Bob Ruesch told CSP. “This 40-pump fuel station will help Mission Viejo and neighboring residents with their fueling needs.”
The new station will only be accessible to Costco members.
According to Fortune, gas is not the most profitable income source for Costco but the company reported its two highest-gallon sale weeks in the U.S. earlier this year after extending gas station hours at stores, as well as opening new stations.
The hour extension and profits were “a great indicator that the throughput for our members improved nicely, and we saw that immediately in gallon increases,” said Costco CEO Ron Vachris.
Just last year, California Costco outposts began quietly rolling out new card scanners at entrances to dissuade the misuse of memberships. The retailer also raised membership prices for the first time in seven years.
Is this the first of many Costco gas stations? Only time will tell.