Buc-ee’s, the beloved Texas-based chain of travel centers, has set its sights on Florida. With two locations already operational in the Sunshine State, Buc-ee’s is expanding its presence to meet the growing demand for its unique blend of convenience and roadside attractions.
Buc-ee’s plans to open its third Florida location in Ocala, featuring an massive 80,000-square-foot travel center with 120 fuel pumps and over 720 parking spots. This new site, slated to become the largest Buc-ee’s store to date, will offer travelers an unparalleled pit stop experience. The company’s commitment to Florida doesn’t stop there, as rumors circulate about a potential fourth location in the state.
Buc-ee’s has gained a reputation for its clean restrooms, extensive snack selection, and quirky merchandise. As the chain expands in Florida, it brings its Texas-sized ambitions to a new market, promising to redefine the concept of convenience stores for Florida’s residents and visitors alike.
History of Buc-ee’s
Buc-ee’s began as a small convenience store in Texas and grew into a beloved chain known for massive locations and unique offerings. The company has expanded rapidly across multiple states in recent years.
Expansion into Florida
Buc-ee’s ventured into Florida as part of its ambitious multi-state expansion. The company opened its first Florida location in St. Augustine in 2021, bringing its signature large stores and extensive product selection to the Sunshine State. This marked Buc-ee’s first foray outside of Texas and surrounding states like Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Florida proved to be a successful market for Buc-ee’s. The company quickly added more locations in the state, including Daytona Beach and another planned for St. Lucie County. These Florida stores maintain Buc-ee’s trademark massive size, with some reaching up to 80,000 square feet.
The expansion into Florida represents Buc-ee’s growing presence beyond its Texas roots. As of 2025, the company operates in nine states, including Tennessee and Kentucky, with Florida becoming a key part of its southeastern footprint.
Buc-ee’s Location Analysis
Buc-ee’s strategic placement of locations in Florida maximizes visibility and accessibility for travelers. The company targets high-traffic intersections along major interstate corridors.
Intersection of I-95 and I-75
Buc-ee’s has focused on establishing locations near the junction of I-95 and I-75 in Florida. This strategy capitalizes on the heavy traffic flow between these two major north-south interstates.
The St. Augustine location sits just off I-95, attracting travelers heading to and from popular coastal destinations. In Ocala, Buc-ee’s positioned its newest site near I-75, tapping into the central Florida traffic.
A planned Fort Pierce location will be situated close to where I-95 meets Florida’s Turnpike, further cementing Buc-ee’s presence along key transportation routes.
Accessibility and Visibility
Buc-ee’s prioritizes easy access and high visibility when selecting site locations. The Daytona Beach store, located off I-95, offers convenient entry and exit for motorists.
In St. Lucie County, the proposed Fort Pierce location near Indrio Road aims to provide effortless access from I-95. This site will feature ample parking and numerous fuel pumps to accommodate high customer volumes.
The Marion County location east of I-75 includes plans for a new interchange, enhancing traffic flow and visibility. This demonstrates Buc-ee’s commitment to creating easily accessible destinations for travelers.
Facilities and Services
Buc-ee’s Florida locations offer expansive facilities and comprehensive services to meet travelers’ needs. These mega travel centers provide a one-stop destination for fuel, food, and shopping.
Fueling Experience
Buc-ee’s Florida locations feature an impressive array of fuel pumps. The Daytona Beach site boasts 104 gas pumps, while the planned Ocala location will have 120 pumps and 28 electric vehicle charging spots. This extensive fueling capacity ensures minimal wait times for customers.
The sheer number of pumps allows Buc-ee’s to serve a high volume of vehicles simultaneously. Travelers can quickly refuel and get back on the road without lengthy delays.
Buc-ee’s also maintains clean and well-lit fueling areas. The company’s commitment to cleanliness extends to its outdoor spaces, providing a pleasant experience for customers.
Retail Convenience
Buc-ee’s Florida travel centers are massive retail spaces. The Daytona Beach location spans over 50,000 square feet, while the upcoming Ocala site will be an impressive 80,000 square feet.
These expansive stores offer a wide variety of products. Customers can find:
- Fresh food options, including Texas BBQ and pastries
- Snacks like jerky and the famous Beaver Nuggets
- Travel essentials and convenience items
- Unique Buc-ee’s branded merchandise
The large floor space allows for easy navigation and a comfortable shopping experience. Buc-ee’s maintains well-stocked shelves to ensure product availability for customers.
Clean restrooms are a hallmark of Buc-ee’s facilities. The company takes pride in offering spotless and well-maintained bathroom facilities for travelers.
Food and Beverage Offerings
Buc-ee’s Florida locations offer an extensive array of food and drink options to satisfy travelers’ cravings. From beloved snacks to gourmet treats and specialty beverages, the stores provide a diverse culinary experience.
Signature Snacks
Buc-ee’s is renowned for its iconic Beaver Nuggets, a sweet and crunchy caramel-coated corn snack. These addictive morsels are a must-try for first-time visitors. The stores also boast an impressive selection of jerky, with various flavors and meats available.
For those seeking heartier fare, Buc-ee’s serves up Texas-style barbeque, including tender brisket sandwiches. Kolaches, a Czech-inspired pastry filled with meats or fruits, are another popular choice among regulars.
Grab-and-go options abound, with fresh sandwiches and wraps prepared daily. Health-conscious shoppers can find fruit cups and salads for lighter meals.
Specialty Treats
Sweet tooths rejoice at Buc-ee’s homemade fudge counter. The stores offer a rotating selection of flavors, from classic chocolate to more adventurous options like maple walnut or peanut butter swirl.
Fresh pastries entice customers with their aromatic display. Cinnamon rolls, danishes, and muffins are baked on-site throughout the day.
Buc-ee’s also features a wall of candy and packaged sweets, including regional specialties and nostalgic favorites. Pralines, saltwater taffy, and chocolate-covered nuts are just a few of the tempting choices available.
Gourmet Coffee and Drink Selection
Caffeine seekers can indulge in Buc-ee’s gourmet coffee bar. The stores offer a range of hot and iced coffee drinks, from classic brews to specialty lattes and mochas. Prices for these beverages typically range from $3.50 to $5.00.
For those preferring cold refreshments, Buc-ee’s boasts an impressive fountain drink station. Sodas, lemonades, and flavored waters start at just $1, with a variety of sizes available.
Buc-ee’s also stocks a wide array of bottled and canned beverages, including local craft sodas and energy drinks. Slushies and frozen drinks provide a cool treat on hot Florida days.
Economic and Community Impact
Buc-ee’s expansion into Florida brings significant economic benefits and community changes. The popular travel center chain creates jobs, boosts local business growth, and attracts new development to its surrounding areas.
Job Creation
Buc-ee’s Florida locations generate substantial employment opportunities. Each new store typically employs over 200 full-time workers with competitive wages and benefits. The Daytona Beach location, for example, created around 225 jobs when it opened in 2021.
These positions span various roles, from cashiers and food service workers to maintenance and management staff. The influx of jobs helps reduce local unemployment rates and provides career paths for residents.
Additionally, Buc-ee’s presence often leads to indirect job creation in nearby businesses that benefit from increased traffic and tourism.
Local Business Growth
Buc-ee’s acts as an economic catalyst, spurring growth in surrounding areas. The travel centers attract thousands of daily visitors, increasing foot traffic for neighboring establishments.
Local restaurants, hotels, and shops often see a boost in sales due to Buc-ee’s drawing power. The company’s policy of sourcing products locally also benefits regional suppliers and manufacturers.
New Buc-ee’s locations frequently trigger additional development nearby. For instance, the planned Buc-ee’s in Marion County is expected to have a $21 million economic impact, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has praised Buc-ee’s positive effect on Florida’s economy, noting its role in expanding the state’s manufacturing sector and creating well-paying jobs.
Design and Architecture
Buc-ee’s Florida locations feature distinctive architectural elements and thoughtful design to enhance the customer experience. The stores’ layout, aesthetics, and functionality are carefully crafted to accommodate large crowds while maintaining efficiency and visual appeal.
Layout and Customer Flow
Buc-ee’s stores are expansive complexes designed to handle high volumes of visitors. The layout prioritizes smooth traffic flow, with dozens of fuel pumps arranged for easy access. Wide aisles and strategically placed departments allow customers to navigate the store effortlessly.
The retail area is organized into distinct sections, including food, souvenirs, and essentials. This arrangement helps shoppers find items quickly and encourages exploration of the entire store.
Restroom facilities are a key feature, with numerous clean stalls to minimize wait times. The placement of popular items near checkout areas facilitates impulse purchases and reduces congestion.
Aesthetic Considerations
Buc-ee’s architecture blends functionality with visual appeal. The exterior typically features a large, eye-catching sign and distinctive beaver logo. The building’s facade often incorporates natural materials like stone or wood to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Inside, the decor reflects a Texas-inspired theme with warm colors and rustic elements. High ceilings and ample lighting contribute to a spacious feel. Custom signage and displays showcase Buc-ee’s branding and product offerings.
The overall design aims to create a memorable and comfortable environment for travelers. Attention to detail extends to floor materials and fixture selection, ensuring durability in high-traffic areas while maintaining a polished appearance.