Costco Tests New Standalone Gas Station Model, Starting with Major California Location
Costco is preparing to expand its fuel services in a new way that could change how members access its popular gas stations. The wholesale giant is set to open its first-ever standalone gas station, marking a shift from its traditional model where fuel stations are typically attached to warehouse stores.
The first location is scheduled to open in June in Mission Viejo, California, a city located جنوب of Los Angeles. This new site is expected to become the largest gas station operated by the company so far. According to available planning details, the station will feature 40 pumping stations and 20 fuel dispensers, allowing a higher number of vehicles to refuel at the same time compared to standard locations.
The project is being developed on land that previously housed a Bed Bath & Beyond store. The area is surrounded by several well-known food outlets, making it a busy commercial zone. Despite its size and capacity, the station will not include a convenience store. Instead, it will focus entirely on fuel services, supported by a large fueling canopy measuring over 17,000 square feet. There will also be a separate building designed for staff use, including office and breakroom space.
The gas station will operate daily from early morning to late evening, opening at 5 a.m. and closing at 10 p.m. Access will remain exclusive to Costco members, consistent with the company’s existing fuel policy.
This move comes as Costco looks to address a long-standing concern among its customers—crowded gas stations and long wait times. At many existing warehouse locations, fuel stations often experience heavy traffic, leading to congestion both at the pumps and in surrounding parking areas. By separating fuel services from retail warehouses, the company may be aiming to improve efficiency and customer experience.
In addition to the California project, Costco is also planning a second standalone gas station in Honolulu, Hawaii. This location will be built in the Kapālama Kai area and is expected to be completed by 2027. These developments suggest that the company is testing this new format in select markets before deciding whether to expand it further across the United States.
At this stage, it remains unclear if standalone gas stations will become a regular part of Costco’s nationwide strategy or if they will be limited to specific high-demand regions. However, the move signals a potential shift in how the company delivers one of its most popular member benefits.
In states like New Jersey, Costco already operates several gas stations connected to its warehouse stores. Locations across cities such as Clifton, Edison, Wayne, and Mount Laurel continue to serve members, although they often face peak-time congestion. The introduction of standalone fuel sites could eventually help reduce pressure on these busy locations if the concept proves successful.
Costco’s latest expansion reflects a careful approach to growth, focusing on improving service while maintaining its membership-based model. As the first standalone station prepares to open, industry observers and customers alike will be watching closely to see how this new strategy performs.
Sources:
USA Today
Mission Viejo Planning and Transportation Commission (2025 documents)
