Buc-ee’s has become a beloved roadside attraction across the southern United States. This Texas-born chain of supersized convenience stores and gas stations has captivated travelers with its expansive offerings and immaculate facilities. As of January 2025, there are 50 Buc-ee’s locations spread across multiple states, with 35 of those situated in Texas.
Buc-ee’s is renowned for its clean restrooms, vast array of snacks and food options, and extensive fuel pumps. Each location spans tens of thousands of square feet, dwarfing typical convenience stores. The company’s rapid expansion has brought its unique brand of Texas hospitality to new states, including Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.
For road trippers and locals alike, finding a Buc-ee’s can be a destination in itself. The stores offer a wide selection of proprietary products, from beef jerky to beaver-themed merchandise, making each visit a potential shopping adventure. As Buc-ee’s continues to grow, more travelers will have the opportunity to experience this distinctive convenience store chain.
History of Buc-ee’s
Buc-ee’s has grown from a small Texas convenience store into a beloved regional chain known for its massive travel centers. The company’s journey spans several decades of expansion and innovation in the convenience store industry.
Founding by Don Wasek and Arch ‘Beaver’ Aplin
Buc-ee’s was founded in 1982 by Don Wasek and Arch “Beaver” Aplin III. The first store opened in Clute, Texas, near Lake Jackson. Aplin drew inspiration from his grandparents, who owned a general mercantile and gas station in Louisiana.
The founders aimed to create a unique shopping experience for travelers. They focused on cleanliness, friendly service, and a wide variety of products from the start.
Expansion and Growth
Buc-ee’s remained a small Texas chain for many years. In 2003, the company opened its first travel center in Luling, south of Austin. This marked the beginning of Buc-ee’s transformation into a major player in the industry.
The company’s expansion accelerated in the following years. Buc-ee’s became known for its massive stores, often exceeding 50,000 square feet. These locations featured dozens of fuel pumps, extensive parking, and a vast array of food options and souvenirs.
By 2025, Buc-ee’s had grown to 50 locations across 9 states. The company’s success stemmed from its commitment to clean restrooms, quality food, and a unique shopping experience.
Why Buc-ee’s Stands Out
Buc-ee’s has become a beloved destination for travelers, offering a unique experience that sets it apart from typical convenience stores. The chain’s commitment to cleanliness, diverse product selection, and customer-focused approach has earned it a devoted following.
Clean Facilities
Buc-ee’s takes pride in maintaining exceptionally clean facilities, especially their restrooms. The chain’s bathrooms are known for their spotless condition, ample space, and private stalls. Attendants regularly clean and restock these facilities to ensure a pleasant experience for customers.
The company’s dedication to cleanliness extends beyond the restrooms. Every area of a Buc-ee’s store, from the fuel pumps to the food preparation areas, is kept meticulously tidy. This attention to detail creates a welcoming environment for shoppers and contributes to the overall positive impression of the brand.
Unique Products
Buc-ee’s offers an extensive array of distinctive products that can’t be found at ordinary gas stations. One of their most popular items is Beaver Nuggets, a sweet and crunchy corn snack that has become a signature treat.
The store’s jerky selection is another standout feature. Buc-ee’s offers numerous flavors and varieties of beef jerky, made fresh on-site. Their fudge counter is equally impressive, with a wide range of homemade flavors available.
Other unique offerings include:
- Specialty sauces and condiments
- Texas-themed souvenirs
- Fresh baked goods
- Outdoor gear and clothing
Customer Experience
Buc-ee’s prioritizes customer satisfaction through various initiatives. The stores are designed to be spacious, allowing for easy navigation even during busy periods. Ample parking, including spots for larger vehicles, caters to travelers of all types.
The chain is known for its friendly and attentive staff, who are trained to provide excellent customer service. Buc-ee’s also maintains competitive fuel prices and offers a wide selection of food options, from grab-and-go snacks to hot meals prepared on-site.
Buc-ee’s loyalty program rewards frequent customers with discounts on fuel and merchandise. The company’s mascot, a cheerful beaver, adds a playful touch to the brand identity and enhances the overall customer experience.
Buc-ee’s Locations
Buc-ee’s has expanded rapidly across multiple states, with its largest concentration of stores still in Texas. The chain is known for its massive travel centers and wide variety of offerings.
Flagship Store in New Braunfels
The New Braunfels Buc-ee’s holds the title of largest convenience store in the world. This 66,335-square-foot behemoth opened in 2012 and features 120 fueling stations.
Inside, visitors find an enormous selection of snacks, drinks, and Buc-ee’s branded merchandise. The store’s 83 toilets ensure minimal wait times for restroom breaks.
New Braunfels Buc-ee’s has become a tourist attraction in its own right, drawing road-trippers from across the country.
Stores Across Texas
Texas remains the heart of Buc-ee’s operations with 35 locations as of 2025. Major cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio each have multiple nearby Buc-ee’s.
Smaller towns also benefit from Buc-ee’s presence. Locations in Bastrop, Madisonville, and Temple offer travelers convenient stopping points on long drives.
Each Texas store maintains the chain’s commitment to cleanliness, variety, and Texas-sized portions. Buc-ee’s famous Beaver Nuggets and jerky remain staple offerings at all locations.
Expansion Beyond Texas
Buc-ee’s has successfully ventured beyond its home state, opening stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee. These expansions bring the total number of Buc-ee’s locations to 48 as of 2025.
The chain’s first non-Texas location opened in Baldwin County, Alabama in 2019. Since then, Buc-ee’s has steadily increased its presence in the Southeast.
New locations maintain the brand’s signature large format and extensive product selection. Clean restrooms and fresh food options continue to be key selling points for travelers in these new markets.
Store Offerings
Buc-ee’s is renowned for its diverse array of products and services. The stores offer an extensive selection of food, branded merchandise, and fueling options that cater to travelers’ needs and desires.
Food and Snacks
Buc-ee’s food offerings are a major draw for customers. The stores feature a wide variety of freshly prepared items and packaged snacks. Beaver Nuggets, a sweet corn puff snack, are a signature item that has gained cult status among fans. Kolaches, a Czech-inspired pastry filled with meat or fruit, are another popular choice for breakfast or a quick meal.
Buc-ee’s also boasts an impressive jerky selection, with dozens of flavors and varieties available. Fresh sandwiches, barbecue, and baked goods are prepared on-site daily. The stores offer a range of hot and cold beverages, including their own branded coffee.
Buc-ee’s Branded Merchandise
Buc-ee’s has capitalized on its popularity by offering an extensive line of branded merchandise. T-shirts, hats, and other clothing items featuring the iconic beaver logo are bestsellers. The stores also sell home goods, such as blankets, kitchenware, and decorative items.
Buc-ee’s branded food products are available for purchase, allowing customers to take home their favorite snacks. These include packaged versions of Beaver Nuggets, various nuts, candies, and sauces. Novelty items and souvenirs round out the merchandise selection, making Buc-ee’s a one-stop shop for gifts and mementos.
Fueling Services
Buc-ee’s gas stations are designed to handle high volume traffic efficiently. The stores feature a large number of fueling positions, often exceeding 100 pumps at a single location. This abundance of pumps minimizes wait times for customers, even during peak travel periods.
The fuel offered is competitively priced and includes multiple grades of gasoline. Many locations also provide diesel fuel for trucks and RVs. Buc-ee’s prides itself on maintaining clean and well-lit fueling areas, enhancing the overall customer experience. The stores often feature spacious parking lots to accommodate various vehicle sizes.
Services at Buc-ee’s
Buc-ee’s offers a wide range of services to cater to travelers’ needs. From car care to convenience items and diverse payment options, these travel centers aim to provide a comprehensive experience for road trippers.
Car Wash
Buc-ee’s car wash facilities are renowned for their efficiency and quality. Many locations feature state-of-the-art automated systems that can handle vehicles of various sizes.
The car washes offer multiple cleaning packages to suit different needs and budgets. Options often include basic washes, waxing, and undercarriage cleaning.
For added convenience, some Buc-ee’s provide free vacuums for customers to use after their car wash. This allows travelers to thoroughly clean both the exterior and interior of their vehicles during pit stops.
Travel and Convenience
Buc-ee’s is designed to be a one-stop shop for road trip essentials. Many locations are open 24 hours, catering to travelers at any time of day or night.
The stores stock a vast array of snacks, beverages, and prepared foods. Fresh sandwiches, barbecue, and Buc-ee’s famous Beaver Nuggets are popular choices among customers.
Travel necessities such as phone chargers, maps, and basic auto supplies are readily available. Some locations also offer RV-friendly services, including dump stations and propane refills.
For long-haul truckers, select Buc-ee’s provide DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) at the pump, simplifying the refueling process for commercial vehicles.
Payment Options
Buc-ee’s accepts various payment methods to accommodate all customers. Major credit cards are widely accepted at all locations, ensuring smooth transactions for travelers.
Many Buc-ee’s have implemented contactless payment systems, allowing customers to pay quickly and securely using their smartphones or contactless cards.
For frequent visitors, Buc-ee’s offers its own branded credit card. This card typically provides rewards or cashback on purchases made at Buc-ee’s locations, incentivizing customer loyalty.
Cash payments are also accepted, and ATMs are available on-site for customer convenience.
Notable Achievements
Buc-ee’s has made a significant impact in the convenience store industry with its record-breaking locations and commitment to excellence. The chain has garnered attention for its impressive facilities and customer-focused approach.
World’s Largest Convenience Store
Buc-ee’s broke its own record for the world’s largest convenience store with its Crossville, Tennessee location. This massive travel center spans over 74,000 square feet, surpassing the previous record-holder.
The Crossville Buc-ee’s features an extensive array of amenities, including:
- 120 fuel pumps
- 1,000 parking spaces
- Expansive retail area
Buc-ee’s commitment to creating increasingly impressive travel centers is evident in this groundbreaking achievement. The company continues to push boundaries in terms of size and offerings.
Awards and Recognition
Buc-ee’s has received numerous accolades for its exceptional facilities and customer service. The chain is particularly renowned for its clean restrooms, a feature that has earned it multiple awards.
Key recognitions include:
- “America’s Best Restroom” award by Cintas Corporation
- Top-rated gas station chain in GasBuddy’s survey
Buc-ee’s consistently ranks high in customer satisfaction surveys, with praise for its:
- Wide variety of food options
- Unique merchandise selection
- Friendly staff
The company’s dedication to maintaining clean facilities has become a hallmark of the Buc-ee’s brand, setting a new standard in the industry.
Visit Planning
Planning your visit to Buc-ee’s can enhance your experience at these massive travel centers. Consider the best times to stop and key recommendations to make the most of your visit.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded at Buc-ee’s locations, making them ideal for a quick stop. Avoid peak travel times like holidays and summer weekends if possible. Early afternoon on weekdays is another good option for a more relaxed visit.
Consider timing your visit to coincide with meal times. Buc-ee’s offers a wide variety of fresh food options, perfect for a road trip lunch or dinner. Many locations are open 24/7, so early morning or late evening stops can be convenient for travelers on long journeys.
Recommendations
Make a list of must-try snacks or souvenirs before your visit. Buc-ee’s is known for its Beaver Nuggets, jerky, and fudge. Don’t forget to grab some road trip essentials like drinks and travel-sized toiletries.
Use the restroom facilities, which are famously clean and spacious. Take advantage of the numerous gas pumps to refuel your vehicle without long waits. Consider using travel credit cards that offer cashback on gas purchases to maximize savings.
Allocate enough time to explore the store. With over 50,000 square feet in many locations, there’s plenty to see. Pick up a Buc-ee’s branded t-shirt or hat as a memorable souvenir from your visit.
Buc-ee’s Corporate Responsibility
Buc-ee’s demonstrates commitment to social and environmental causes through community engagement and sustainability efforts. The company aims to make a positive impact beyond its convenience store operations.
Community Involvement
Buc-ee’s actively participates in local initiatives and charitable events. The company supports first responders through financial contributions, as evidenced by their $10,000 cash prize donation during the 2018 First Responder Bowl.
Buc-ee’s engages with communities where its stores are located. They often sponsor local events and contribute to area schools and organizations. The company’s large stores serve as gathering places for travelers and locals alike.
Buc-ee’s souvenir offerings promote local culture and artisans. Many stores feature products made by regional craftspeople, supporting small businesses and preserving local traditions.
Environmental Efforts
Buc-ee’s has taken steps to reduce its environmental impact. The company has invested in energy-efficient technologies for its stores, including LED lighting and modern refrigeration systems.
Several Buc-ee’s locations now feature electric vehicle charging stations. This initiative supports the growing adoption of electric vehicles and reduces carbon emissions from traditional fuel sources.
Buc-ee’s implements recycling programs at its stores to minimize waste. They encourage customers to use reusable shopping bags and offer recycling bins for common materials.
The company sources some products locally when possible, reducing transportation distances and supporting regional economies. This practice aligns with sustainability goals by decreasing the carbon footprint of their supply chain.