(NEXSTAR) — It’s been a busy few weeks for Buc-ee’s, the Texas-based convenience store and gas station chain that has developed a cult following in recent years.
In early June, Buc-ee’s opened its first Mississippi location in Harrison County. Last week, the company opened its first Virginia location and its third store in Georgia.
As of early July, Buc-ee’s operates 54 stores across nine states, with other stores in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The company has undergone a major multi-state expansion since 2019, and it isn’t done yet.
Buc-ee’s has several more sites that are already under construction.
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In April, work began on the Buc-ee’s location in Benton, Arkansas, at what it described as the largest groundbreaking event in company history. Another Arkansas location in West Memphis is on track to open next year as well. CEO Arch “Beaver” Aplin III hinted at a potential third location for Arkansas while speaking with Nexstar’s KLRT.
Ohio expects to get its first Buc-ee’s in 2026. Construction began in August 2024 on the location in Huber Heights, located northeast of Dayton. However, work was briefly paused amid a conflict over sewer and water services. The company confirmed to Nexstar’s WDTN that the planned opening in late 2025 had been pushed to spring of next year.
Buc-ee’s is also on track to open locations in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Ocala and Fort Pierce, Florida; Monroe County, Georgia; Ruston and Lafayette, Louisiana; and Goodyear, Arizona. Stores in Louisiana and Arizona mark the first in each state for Buc-ee’s.
The sun rises beyond the 120 gasoline pumps outside a Buc-ee’s store early Thursday, April 4, 2024, in Johnstown, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The company’s Mebane, North Carolina, store — the state’s first — is expected to open in 2026 or 2027.
Three additional Buc-ee’s could open in 2027: Gallaway, Tennessee; Oak Creek, Wisconsin; and Kansas City, Missouri.
Buc-ee’s has pursued locations in eight more areas:
- San Marcos, Texas
- Palmer Lake, Colorado
- Harbour Heights, Florida
- Anderson, South Carolina
- Hardeeville, South Carolina
- Oak Grove City, Kentucky
- Boerne, Texas
These locations are at various steps in the process, according to local reporting.
Construction has begun on the location in Boerne. No timeline for opening the store has been released.
Oak Creek, located about 10 miles south of Milwaukee, announced Buc-ee’s had submitted a proposal for a massive location after plans to build one near Madison stalled. Despite pushback from some residents, the city’s common council approved the plans in May. Construction could begin later this year, according to local outlet WISN.
In Palmer Lake, the board of trustees approved an annexation request for a proposed Buc-ee’s during a contentious meeting in May, Nexstar’s KXRM reported. Residents have also pushed back against a proposed Buc-ee’s location in southwest Florida, expressing concerns that it could exacerbate flooding in the area and encroach on a wildlife habitat.
The Buc-ee’s in Anderson was delayed earlier this year due to a nearby interchange. Local leaders told Nexstar’s WSPA it would cost about $60 million to fix the interchange, the brunt of which they believe should come from the state.
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Should all these locations be built and opened before 2027, Buc-ee’s will have more than 70 locations across 17 states.
Buc-ee’s did not immediately respond to Nexstar’s request for comment or additional information.
The first store of the Texas-based chain opened in 1982, but its first true travel center opened in 2003. That location, in Luling, outside of San Antonio, was damaged in a fire last year. A month prior, that Buc-ee’s had been replaced by a new travel center in the same area.
A display of Buc-ee’s beaver dolls fills the bed of a pickup truck in a Buc-ee’s store Thursday, April 4, 2024, in Johnstown, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
It’s the massive travel centers — featuring everything from fuel and snacks to Buc-ee’s merchandise, hot food, kitchen items, grills, and even hunting gear — that have seemingly attracted a cult-like following to the brand. The company’s beloved mascot, Buc-ee the Beaver, receives just as much adoration.
He’s also been at the center of recent lawsuits from Buc-ee’s. Earlier this year, Buc-ee’s sued a Florida store, accusing it of selling merchandise sporting what appears to be the beloved beaver logo with punk rock makeovers.
Buc-ee’s stores are open all day, every day.
