Costco Plans to Launch Its First Stand-Alone Gas Station in California — and It's Set to Be the Biggest Yet

📍 Mission Viejo, CA

In a bold move that bucks a couple of industry trends, Costco is preparing to open its first-ever stand-alone gas station in California — and it’s shaping up to be the warehouse giant’s largest fuel site to date.

Set to be built at 25732 El Paseo in the Mission Viejo Freeway Center, right off the I-5, the upcoming station will sit alongside heavy-hitter retailers like Krispy Kreme, Best Buy, and Petco — making it a potentially high-traffic hub for South OC commuters.

According to reporting by the Orange County Register, city officials greenlit the project back in March. The new gas station will take over the site of a closed Bed Bath & Beyond, with demolition, grading, and permits currently in motion. If all goes to plan, construction is expected to begin this fall, with a Spring 2026 grand opening on the calendar.

While many gas stations pair their fuel pumps with a convenience store — often where the bulk of profits are made — this stand-alone model flips that script. And at a time when electric vehicles are on the rise, Costco’s move feels like a counterpunch to the current tide.

Still, gas prices averaging $4.65 per gallon across California might be exactly the opening Costco needs. Known for competitive pricing and member loyalty, the chain may be banking on fuel savings to fuel traffic — no pun intended.

Whether it’s a strategic pivot or a long play in high-volume fuel sales, this move from Costco adds an interesting twist to the evolving retail and transportation landscape.

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