A $25 billion data center complex is rising near Abilene, Texas, and one local couple sees an opportunity. They plan to sell cold drinks and snacks to the thousands of construction workers flooding the area, hoping to turn a modest 6-pack investment into steady revenue.

The project, backed by major tech firms, promises to bring 3,000 jobs during peak construction. The couple, longtime residents, have set up a small stand along the main access road, offering water, energy drinks, and packaged food. They estimate daily sales could reach $1,200 if traffic matches projections.

Local officials welcome the economic boost but caution that the influx strains infrastructure. The couple’s venture reflects a broader trend: small businesses scrambling to capture spending from transient workforces. Their success hinges on the project’s timeline, which could stretch years.

As the data center takes shape, the couple remains optimistic, viewing their stand as a foothold in a transforming regional economy.