Buc-ee’s, the iconic Texas-based chain of travel centers, has been expanding its footprint across the United States. Known for its massive stores, clean bathrooms, and wide variety of snacks and merchandise, Buc-ee’s has become a popular stop for road trippers and locals alike. As of January 2025, Buc-ee’s operates 48 locations across several states, with the majority still concentrated in Texas.
The company’s expansion strategy has taken it beyond the Lone Star State, with new stores opening in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and other Southern states. Each Buc-ee’s location offers a similar experience, featuring dozens of fuel pumps, ample parking for cars and trucks, and a sprawling retail space filled with unique products and food offerings.
Buc-ee’s continues to announce plans for future locations, with sites under development in states like Virginia and Colorado. These new stores promise to bring the Buc-ee’s experience to even more travelers, offering a consistent and high-quality stopping point on long journeys across the country.
History and Expansion of Buc-ee’s
Buc-ee’s journey from a small Texas convenience store to a beloved regional chain spans over four decades. The company’s growth has been marked by strategic expansions and a commitment to its unique brand identity.
Founding and Growth
Buc-ee’s was founded in 1982 by Arch “Beaver” Aplin III in Clute, Texas. The first store was a modest convenience store and gas station. In 2003, Buc-ee’s opened its landmark location in Luling, Texas. This store introduced many of the features that would become Buc-ee’s hallmarks:
- Barbecue sandwiches
- Branded merchandise
- Beaver Nuggets (a popular snack)
The Luling store set the stage for Buc-ee’s signature large-format stores. These locations offered extensive product selections and became destinations in their own right.
Recent Expansions
Buc-ee’s remained a Texas-only chain until 2019 when it opened its first out-of-state location in Alabama. This marked the beginning of an ambitious expansion plan:
- Florida: Multiple locations opened
- Georgia: New stores introduced
- South Carolina: Expansion into the state
Buc-ee’s has announced plans for stores in:
- Colorado
- Kentucky
- Missouri
- Tennessee
The New Braunfels, Texas location, opened in 2012, holds the title of world’s largest convenience store at 66,335 square feet. Buc-ee’s continues to focus on Southern states but is exploring opportunities in the Midwest and beyond.
Exploring Buc-ee’s Locations
Buc-ee’s travel centers have expanded across multiple states, offering road trip enthusiasts unique experiences at each location. These massive convenience stores and gas stations have become popular destinations for travelers along major highways.
Store Locations by State
Buc-ee’s originated in Texas and has since spread to other states. Texas remains the home base with the most locations. The chain has expanded to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Future locations are planned for Colorado, Mississippi, Missouri, and Virginia. This expansion will bring Buc-ee’s to new regions, including the Midwest and Rocky Mountains.
Wisconsin, Louisiana, and Ohio are also potential future markets for Buc-ee’s growth. The company carefully selects sites along busy highways to maximize visibility and accessibility for travelers.
Highlighting Notable Locations
The New Braunfels, Texas location is often cited as the largest convenience store in the world. It spans 66,335 square feet and features 120 fueling stations. This massive travel center draws visitors from across the country.
Another notable location is in Katy, Texas, home to the longest car wash in the world at 255 feet. The Sevierville, Tennessee store marked Buc-ee’s first foray into the state, attracting curious locals and tourists alike.
The planned Ocala, Florida location is set to become the largest Buc-ee’s yet at 80,000 square feet. This expansion demonstrates the company’s commitment to creating ever more impressive travel centers.
Key Features of Buc-ee’s Travel Centers
Buc-ee’s travel centers offer a comprehensive range of services and amenities for travelers. These expansive facilities are designed to meet all road trip needs, from fueling to shopping and restroom breaks.
Fueling Services
Buc-ee’s locations feature extensive fueling options. Most sites boast over 100 gas pumps, allowing multiple vehicles to refuel simultaneously. This reduces wait times during peak travel periods. Many Buc-ee’s now offer electric vehicle charging stations as well. These include Tesla Superchargers and Mercedes-Benz High-Power Universal Chargers at select locations.
Gas prices at Buc-ee’s are often competitive with other stations in the area. The company prides itself on providing high-quality fuel. Regular maintenance ensures pumps are clean and functional.
Retail Offerings
Buc-ee’s convenience stores are known for their vast selection of products. The retail areas often span over 50,000 square feet. Snack options are plentiful, including their famous Beaver Nuggets and a wide variety of jerky.
Fresh food choices include made-to-order sandwiches and barbecue. Buc-ee’s also offers homemade fudge and other sweet treats. Travelers can find essentials like clothing, outdoor gear, and road trip supplies.
Unique souvenirs and Texas-themed merchandise are popular among tourists. Many items feature the iconic Buc-ee’s beaver mascot.
Amenities and Facilities
Clean restrooms are a hallmark of Buc-ee’s travel centers. Staff regularly maintain these facilities 24 hours a day. The bathrooms are spacious and well-stocked.
Buc-ee’s provides ample parking for cars, RVs, and trucks. Some locations offer car wash services. Inside, visitors find plenty of seating areas and microwaves for public use.
The centers are open 24/7, catering to travelers at all hours. Bright lighting and attentive staff contribute to a safe environment. Free Wi-Fi is available for customers to check routes or catch up on work.
Services Beyond the Basics
Buc-ee’s offers an array of services that go far beyond typical gas station fare. Visitors can enjoy gourmet food options and comprehensive vehicle care.
Culinary Experience
Buc-ee’s takes food seriously. The chain is renowned for its Brisket Sandwiches, slow-cooked to perfection. These sandwiches have gained a cult following among travelers.
Visitors can also sample an extensive selection of jerky, fudge, and candies. Many locations feature a full deli counter with made-to-order meals.
For those with a sweet tooth, Buc-ee’s offers freshly baked pastries and its famous Beaver Nuggets – a sweet corn snack.
Vehicle Services
Buc-ee’s caters to road-trippers with comprehensive vehicle services. Many locations feature state-of-the-art car wash facilities, ensuring vehicles leave sparkling clean.
Fuel islands are plentiful, reducing wait times even during peak travel periods. Some sites offer specialized diesel islands for larger vehicles.
Ample parking is available for cars, RVs, and trucks. This makes Buc-ee’s an ideal pit stop for long-distance travelers.
Select locations participate in Travel Rewards programs, allowing frequent visitors to earn points on purchases. These can often be combined with Travel Credit Cards for additional savings.
The Buc-ee’s Brand Philosophy
Buc-ee’s has built its brand on a foundation of exceptional customer experience. At the core of this philosophy is a commitment to cleanliness, particularly in their restrooms.
The company takes pride in providing immaculate facilities, which have earned them numerous awards and accolades. This focus on cleanliness extends beyond the bathrooms to the entire store environment.
Buc-ee’s aims to be a destination rather than just a pit stop. They achieve this by offering an extensive array of products, from snacks to souvenirs, catering to diverse customer needs.
The brand’s mascot, a smiling beaver, has become an iconic symbol across Texas and beyond. This friendly character embodies the welcoming atmosphere Buc-ee’s strives to create.
Quality and variety are key elements of the Buc-ee’s philosophy. They offer signature items like Beaver Nuggets alongside an impressive selection of food, drinks, and merchandise.
Expansion is another aspect of their brand strategy. Buc-ee’s has grown from a local Texas gas station to a multi-state operation, bringing its unique experience to new markets.
Customer loyalty is cultivated through consistent service and a distinct shopping environment. Buc-ee’s has successfully positioned itself as more than just a convenience store, but as a memorable part of road trips.