Entrepreneur to launch attraction along I-44

A serial entrepreneur has plans in the works for a new attraction along Interstate 44 that would appeal to travelers, their children and their dogs.

John Lopez said a June 15 opening is targeted for the concept called Barc-ee's, located at 140 York Drive in Marshfield. The concept is a play on Buc-ee's, which is about 17 miles southwest of the site. Lopez, who has registered Bar-cees and Barcees as fictitious names via EJL Acquisitions LLC with the Missouri secretary of state's office, said he hopes to inspire banter with Buc-ee's through the name.

"It's the first of its kind where it's a traveling dog spot," he said. "Most of the time when you're traveling with your dog, you're kind of just holding the leash while you're pumping gas."

Also similar to Buc-ee's, Barc-ee's would advertise along I-44 as far as 600 miles out, Lopez said. The billboards would take friendly jabs at Buc-ee's, he said, pointing to a potential example of a sign featuring a dog and a beaver. He noted his legal representation does not see an issue between the similar names.

The roughly 7,500-square-foot concept would have a dog park, coffee shop and food, along with an amusement park, games and a miniature city for kids that's Western themed, he said. Lopez said he's working with friend Sherif Magd, owner of MacCheesy’s and The Kebab Shack, on a new concept at Barc-ee's, and the attraction additionally would have Amish pies, ice cream and antiques on display. A deal to add a Tesla charging station also is in the works, he said.

"I do have a partnership that if this proves to work ... it'll be the first of probably 25 we're going to put down on major highways," Lopez said.

Initial startup costs for Barc-ee's are around $550,000, he said, noting the value of the company is currently around $1 million. He penned a five-year lease with options with Cure Management Group for the site in Marshfield.

Lopez's other ventures have included the Old Route 66 Wellness dispensary, K9s for Camo Inc. and Howliday Inn Pet Resort, according to past reporting. Lopez recently told Springfield Business Journal that he's planning to open several dispensaries in New Jersey.