Buc-ee’s has become a beloved roadside attraction for travelers across the United States. Known for its massive stores, clean bathrooms, and extensive snack selection, this Texas-based chain has expanded rapidly in recent years.
Several Buc-ee’s locations have set or broken world records, cementing the brand’s reputation for larger-than-life convenience stores. From the world’s largest convenience store to the longest car wash, these record-breaking Buc-ee’s sites offer unique experiences for visitors and showcase the company’s commitment to going above and beyond.
1) Largest Convenience Store in the World, New Braunfels, Texas
Buc-ee’s in New Braunfels, Texas holds the title of the world’s largest convenience store. This massive establishment spans an impressive 66,335 square feet of retail space.
The New Braunfels location offers an extensive array of food options, merchandise, and unique experiences for visitors. Customers can find everything from snacks and beverages to clothing and home decor.
One of the most notable features of this Buc-ee’s is its 120 fuel pumps, allowing numerous vehicles to refuel simultaneously. This convenience store has become a popular pit stop for travelers along major highways in Texas.
Buc-ee’s is known for its clean facilities, and the New Braunfels location is no exception. The store takes pride in maintaining spotless restrooms for its customers.
While the New Braunfels store currently holds the record, Buc-ee’s continues to expand. A new location in Luling, Texas now boasts 75,593 square feet, surpassing the New Braunfels store in size.
2) World’s Longest Car Wash, Katy, Texas
The Buc-ee’s location in Katy, Texas, boasts an impressive claim to fame: the World’s Longest Car Wash. This record-breaking feature was officially recognized by Guinness World Records in 2017 when the store opened.
Measuring an astounding 255 feet in length, this car wash is nearly as long as a football field. The massive structure houses an array of cleaning equipment, including 25 brushes and 17 high-powered blow dryers.
Colorful suds in pink, yellow, and blue add a playful touch to the car washing experience. The entire process takes approximately five minutes from start to finish, guiding vehicles through its extensive conveyor system.
This unique attraction cost over $3 million to construct, showcasing Buc-ee’s commitment to creating memorable experiences for its customers. While breaking records wasn’t the initial goal, the car wash has become a notable draw for visitors.
Located at 27700 Katy Freeway, this Buc-ee’s site attracts both locals and travelers alike. The world’s longest car wash serves as a testament to the brand’s innovative approach to convenience store amenities.
3) Most Gas Pumps at a Single Location, Katy, Texas
The Buc-ee’s in Katy, Texas holds the record for the most gas pumps at a single location. This massive convenience store and gas station boasts an impressive 120 fuel dispensers, not including those dedicated solely to diesel.
Each machine features pumps on both sides, effectively doubling the fueling capacity. This abundance of pumps helps reduce wait times and congestion, even during peak hours.
The sheer number of gas pumps at the Katy location is a testament to Buc-ee’s commitment to customer convenience. It’s not uncommon for customers to marvel at the seemingly endless rows of fuel dispensers stretching across the property.
This record-breaking number of pumps aligns with Buc-ee’s reputation for going above and beyond in terms of size and amenities. The Katy location exemplifies the chain’s motto of providing travelers with ample fueling options and minimal wait times.
Opened in August 2014, the Katy Buc-ee’s quickly became known for its fuel capacity. The store’s design allows for efficient traffic flow, ensuring customers can easily access the pumps and get back on the road quickly.
4) Largest Buc-ee’s Store, Sevierville, Tennessee
The Buc-ee’s location in Sevierville, Tennessee currently holds the title of world’s largest convenience store. This massive facility spans an impressive 74,000 square feet, surpassing the size of a standard football field.
Opened in 2023, the Sevierville Buc-ee’s offers travelers an expansive shopping and fueling experience. The store features 120 fueling stations to accommodate a high volume of vehicles.
Situated near the Great Smoky Mountains at Exit 407, this record-breaking Buc-ee’s serves as a major attraction for both locals and tourists. Its strategic location makes it a convenient stop for those exploring the popular mountain region.
The Sevierville store showcases Buc-ee’s signature offerings on a grand scale. Visitors can find an extensive selection of snacks, beverages, and branded merchandise within its spacious interior.
While currently the largest, the Sevierville location’s record status is set to change. In June 2024, a new Buc-ee’s in Luling, Texas is expected to claim the title of world’s largest convenience store.
5) Largest Retail Store Gas Station, Luling, Texas
Buc-ee’s in Luling, Texas holds the title for the largest retail store gas station in the world. This massive facility opened its doors in June 2023, spanning an impressive 75,000 square feet.
The Luling location boasts 120 fuel pumps, catering to a high volume of motorists traveling along Interstate 10. This expansive fueling capacity ensures minimal wait times for customers, even during peak travel periods.
Inside the store, visitors find an extensive array of products and amenities. The retail space offers a wide selection of snacks, beverages, prepared foods, and Buc-ee’s branded merchandise.
True to Buc-ee’s reputation, the Luling location maintains exceptionally clean restroom facilities. The company’s commitment to cleanliness extends throughout the entire premises, providing a comfortable experience for travelers.
This record-breaking Buc-ee’s serves as a major attraction for both locals and tourists. Its sheer size and comprehensive offerings redefine the concept of a traditional gas station, elevating it to a destination in its own right.
6) Most Toilets at a Gas Station, New Braunfels, Texas
The Buc-ee’s location in New Braunfels, Texas boasts an impressive 83 bathroom stalls. This extraordinary number of toilets sets it apart from typical gas stations and convenience stores.
In 2012, this Buc-ee’s restroom facility gained recognition from Cintas, receiving the title of America’s Best Restroom. The award highlights the location’s commitment to cleanliness and customer comfort.
Visitors to this Buc-ee’s can expect short wait times and well-maintained facilities, even during peak travel periods. The abundance of stalls ensures that road-trippers can quickly attend to their needs and continue their journeys.
The New Braunfels location’s restroom design includes motion-activated fixtures for improved hygiene. Sinks, toilets, and hand dryers all operate without touch, enhancing the user experience.
This record-breaking number of toilets aligns with Buc-ee’s reputation for exceptional restroom facilities. The chain consistently receives praise for its clean and spacious bathrooms across all locations.
7) Largest Travel Center, Crossville, Tennessee
Buc-ee’s in Crossville, Tennessee claims the title of the largest travel center in the world. This massive facility spans over 74,000 square feet, offering an expansive array of amenities for travelers.
The Crossville location features more than 120 fueling positions, providing ample space for vehicles to refuel efficiently. Inside, visitors find an extensive selection of food, drinks, and merchandise typical of Buc-ee’s offerings.
Located between Nashville and Knoxville, this travel center serves as a strategic stop for those journeying through Tennessee. Its central position makes it convenient for travelers heading to popular destinations like Music City or the Great Smoky Mountains.
The Crossville Buc-ee’s breaks the company’s own previous record for the world’s largest convenience store. This achievement demonstrates Buc-ee’s commitment to creating increasingly impressive travel centers.
Construction of this record-breaking location began with a groundbreaking ceremony, marking Buc-ee’s first venture into Tennessee. The travel center’s opening has brought numerous job opportunities to the area and attracts a significant number of visitors.
8) Largest Buc-ee’s Mural, Fort Worth, Texas
The Fort Worth Buc-ee’s location boasts an impressive mural that holds the title for the largest in the Buc-ee’s chain. This massive artwork adorns the exterior wall of the store, located at 15901 N Freeway.
The mural captures the essence of Texas culture and Buc-ee’s iconic imagery. It features vibrant colors and intricate details that draw the eye of travelers passing by on the highway.
Spanning several stories high, the mural showcases Buc-ee the beaver alongside various Texas landmarks and symbols. The sheer scale of this artwork makes it visible from a considerable distance, serving as a beacon for road-weary travelers.
Local artists collaborated with Buc-ee’s to create this record-breaking mural. It has become a popular spot for visitors to take photos, adding to the unique experience of stopping at this particular Buc-ee’s location.
The Fort Worth mural exemplifies Buc-ee’s commitment to creating memorable experiences for its customers. It stands as a testament to the brand’s Texas roots and its ability to turn a simple pit stop into a noteworthy attraction.
Impact of Buc-ee’s on Local Economies
Buc-ee’s expansions bring significant economic benefits to communities. The mega-sized convenience stores create jobs, boost tourism, and generate substantial revenue for local areas.
Employment Opportunities
Buc-ee’s locations typically employ between 200 and 300 workers each. These jobs offer competitive wages and benefits, often exceeding industry standards. In Texas alone, Buc-ee’s stores support nearly 5,000 jobs across the state.
The company’s expansion into new markets creates employment opportunities in construction, retail, and management roles. Local residents benefit from increased job prospects and economic stability.
Buc-ee’s also indirectly supports additional jobs in related industries such as food suppliers, maintenance services, and transportation.
Tourism and Visitor Attraction
Buc-ee’s has become a tourist destination in its own right. The massive stores attract travelers and road-trippers, boosting local tourism.
Some key factors that draw visitors include:
- Unique shopping experiences
- Clean restrooms
- Wide variety of food options
- Fuel stations with numerous pumps
Communities with Buc-ee’s locations often see increased traffic at nearby businesses. Hotels, restaurants, and other attractions benefit from the influx of Buc-ee’s customers.
The stores’ reputation as roadside attractions encourages travelers to plan stops, potentially leading to extended stays in the area. This increased visitor spending contributes to the local economy through sales tax revenue and support for other businesses.
Architectural and Design Features
Buc-ee’s record-breaking locations showcase innovative architectural elements and sustainable design practices. These features set the chain apart from typical convenience stores and gas stations.
Unique Store Layouts
Buc-ee’s stores are designed to maximize efficiency and customer flow. The expansive floor plans allow for wide aisles and clear sightlines throughout the space. Many locations feature distinct zones for different product categories, such as food, clothing, and outdoor gear.
Some stores incorporate local architectural styles to blend with their surroundings. For example, the Sevierville, Tennessee location uses stone and timber elements reminiscent of mountain lodges.
The world’s largest Buc-ee’s in Luling, Texas spans over 75,000 square feet. Its layout includes multiple entrances and strategically placed departments to reduce congestion during peak hours.
Sustainability Initiatives
Buc-ee’s has implemented various eco-friendly features in its newer locations. Many stores use energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the interior and exterior spaces. Some sites have installed solar panels on rooftops or parking structures to generate clean energy.
Water conservation is a priority, with low-flow fixtures in restrooms and drought-resistant landscaping around the property. Several locations feature electric vehicle charging stations, supporting the transition to greener transportation options.
The chain has also invested in state-of-the-art HVAC systems to reduce energy consumption while maintaining comfortable temperatures. Some stores use recycled materials in construction and furnishings, further minimizing their environmental impact.