There is just something special about hitting the road, is there not? With the windows down, music playing, and the promise of adventure stretching out before you. And for those who know, the feeling of a road trip often includes the joyful anticipation of spotting a familiar sign on the horizon—the one with the friendly face of a beaver, letting you know that you are just moments away from stepping into a place where the restrooms are spotless, the snacks are plentiful, and the hospitality is as warm as a fresh batch of Beaver Nuggets. That is the magic of Buc-ee’s, a Texas institution that has captured the hearts of travelers far and wide. Thankfully, this beloved chain is growing, bringing its unique brand of travel center cheer to even more communities.
It is more than just a gas station; it is a destination in itself. Whether you are fueling up your car, grabbing a brisket sandwich carved right in front of you, stocking up on road trip essentials (or delightful impulse buys!), or simply taking a moment to stretch your legs in an unbelievably clean environment, a stop at Buc-ee’s is an experience. And the exciting news is that this experience is becoming available in new corners of the country, thanks to a series of recent openings and future plans that show this growing family-owned business is spreading its wings.
So, buckle up, friends! We are taking a little tour to see where Buc-ee’s is planting its roots and what these new locations mean for the lucky people who get to call them their local travel centers. From the Gulf Coast to the foothills of Virginia, the Beaver is making friends and bringing jobs, investment, and plenty of Beaver Nuggets along for the ride. Let’s dive in and explore some of the newest spots on the Buc-ee’s map.
1. **The Mississippi Welcome: Harrison County Opens Its Doors** The wait has ended for individuals along the Gulf Coast! On June 9th, the very first Buc-ee’s in Mississippi officially opened its doors in Harrison County. This was not merely any store opening; it was a landmark event, marking the 52nd Buc-ee’s location overall and bringing the famous beaver mascot to the Magnolia State for the first time. Located just off Interstate 10 at the Menge Avenue exit, this travel center is easily accessible to travelers heading east or west along this busy corridor, including those making the approximately 60-mile drive from New Orleans. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready to welcome travelers whenever the road beckons.
This new Mississippi location is truly enormous, boasting the impressive scale for which Buc-ee’s is renowned. Spanning a staggering 74,000 square feet, it is a sprawling palace of road trip necessities and delights. Outside, you will find an incredible 126 gas pumps, ensuring that getting back on the road quickly is never an issue. For drivers of electric vehicles, there are also 24 charging stations available. Inside, the legendary cleanliness extends to the facilities, with a remarkable 165 toilets, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to exceptionally clean restrooms that travelers have come to rely on and appreciate profoundly.
Beyond the impressive size and amenities, this Buc-ee’s represents a significant investment in the Harrison County community. Local officials report that the project represented an $80 million investment. More importantly for the local folks, it’s expected to create over 200 jobs. Buc-ee’s has stated that these positions offer full benefits, a 6% matching 401(k) plan, and three weeks of vacation for employees, with starting wages above the state’s minimum. This has led to the store quickly becoming “one of the region’s largest private employers overnight,” according to one report. The economic impact is substantial, with expectations of $50–$60 million a year in sales tax revenue. To accommodate the anticipated increase in traffic, local officials even expanded a two-lane bridge to five lanes, investing $15 million of Harrison County funds into the necessary infrastructure improvements, showing the depth of local support and preparation for this exciting arrival. The excitement had been building for a while, as construction on this location began in September 2023, following the announcement of plans after the opening of the out-of-state location in Robertsdale, Alabama.
2. **Virginia Gets Its First Buc-ee’s: anticipation Builds in Rockingham County** The excitement is not confined to the Gulf Coast; it is extending northward to the Commonwealth of Virginia! Although not yet open, plans are progressing smoothly for Virginia’s inaugural Buc-ee’s location, scheduled to open in Rockingham County. This represents a particularly significant expansion, as this new travel center will become Buc-ee’s most northeastern location in the U.S. It is situated approximately 2.5 hours west of Washington, D.C., by car, a prime location that will introduce the brand’s unique offerings to an entirely new customer base previously unacquainted with its vast convenience stores and travel centers.
Local and state officials have warmly welcomed the news of Buc-ee’s arrival in Rockingham County. In early 2024, the county expressed its enthusiasm in a social media post, stating, “Thank you, Buc-ee’s, for choosing Rockingham County for your first Virginia location, which is slated to open in mid-2025.” Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin also previously extended his welcome when the project commenced, posting on X, “Virginia is proud to welcome @bucees to the Commonwealth! Today’s groundbreaking represents 200 jobs and an investment of over 60 million dollars in Rockingham County. I look forward to stopping by for some Beaver Nuggets soon!” This level of high-ranking support underscores the positive impact these large-scale developments are anticipated to have.
The scale of the planned Rockingham County location is equally impressive as that of the Mississippi store. It is scheduled to cover 74,000 square feet, which is roughly equivalent to 1.5 times the size of a football field! For drivers, the center will feature over 120 fueling stations and 20 electric vehicle charging stations. There will also be 600 parking spaces, providing ample room for travelers to stop and enjoy all the amenities. The project represents a substantial investment of over 60 million dollars and, like other new locations, is expected to create 200 jobs for the local community. The anticipation in Virginia for the arrival of the Beaver, along with all the delectable food, clean facilities, and friendly service it brings, is certainly high.
3. **Georgia Adds Another Star: Brunswick Joins the Buc-ee’s Family** Not to be outdone, the Peach State is adding another gem to its Buc-ee’s collection! Brunswick, Georgia, is poised to become the home of the state’s third Buc-ee’s location, with a grand opening slated for July 1st. Georgia travelers, already acquainted with the pleasures of stopping at a Buc-ee’s, now have another convenient option to anticipate. This new center will be situated approximately five hours southeast of Atlanta, ideally positioned for those traveling towards the coast or venturing further south.
Adding a third location in Georgia underscores the popularity and success that Buc-ee’s has already achieved within the state. It signifies more opportunities for individuals to experience the renowned clean restrooms, savor a legendary brisket sandwich, purchase some delectable treats like Beaver Nuggets, or find that perfect quirky gift or travel item. Each new store not only caters to travelers passing through but also serves as a significant employer and community hub for the area it inhabits.
While specific details regarding the Brunswick location’s size, pump count, or job numbers were not provided with the same level of detail as those for the Mississippi and Virginia sites, the pattern of Buc-ee’s construction indicates that it will be another large-scale travel center, built to the high standards for which the brand is renowned. The July 1st opening date implies that summer travelers along that route will soon have a brand-new, exciting stop to look forward to. It is always welcome news when a community gets to embrace a place like Buc-ee’s, known for its friendly service and extensive offerings that truly enhance road trips.
And the road trip adventure continues! Just when you think you have witnessed all the exciting places where the friendly Beaver is making its appearance, there are even more captivating stories of growth and expansion to uncover. The journey of bringing that unique blend of spotless restrooms, delicious cuisine, and quirky charm to new parts of the country entails meticulous planning, community collaboration, and sometimes, a few unexpected twists and turns. Let us keep moving forward and discover the next chapters in the Buc-ee’s saga.
4. **Louisiana’s Winding Road to Buc-ee’s** The path to introducing Buc-ee’s distinctive brand of travel center hospitality to the great state of Louisiana has undoubtedly been an intriguing one, replete with twists and turns that illustrate the extensive planning and deliberation required to identify the optimal location for such a unique establishment. For a period, it appeared that Louisiana might become the inaugural state outside of Texas to embrace a Buc-ee’s, with preliminary plans centered on a site near Baton Rouge. The prospect of having one of these sizable, welcoming stops readily accessible was unquestionably something many residents of the Pelican State anticipated eagerly, particularly travelers who had already savored the enchantment of a Buc-ee’s stop elsewhere.
However, even the most meticulously devised plans occasionally encounter unforeseen obstacles. Reports surfaced indicating that the initial expansion plans into Louisiana had been aborted, a revelation that undoubtedly took many prospective enthusiasts by surprise. It was a moment that might have induced a sense of disappointment among those who had already envisioned themselves exiting the interstate to procure a fresh brisket sandwich or purchase Beaver Nuggets right in their home state.
A representative of the company subsequently confirmed this decision, elucidating that the company had indeed opted not to proceed with the initial plans for Baton Rouge at that juncture. It served as a poignant reminder that realizing a development of this magnitude and caliber entails surmounting various logistical hurdles and ensuring the right conditions for sustained success. The initial news of the cancellation, although potentially disheartening for some, constituted part of the journey in identifying the optimal approach to eventually introduce the Buc-ee’s experience to Louisiana.
5. **Understanding the Pause: Securing the Right Sites** Thus, what constituted the specific rationale underlying the initial decision to forgo the planned location in Baton Rouge? According to a company representative, the principal challenge resided in acquiring multiple sites within the state at that precise juncture. The company’s general counsel, Jeff Nadalo, elucidated the situation with great clarity in an email, stating, “To date, we have only succeeded in securing one site.” This underscores a pivotal facet of Buc-ee’s expansion strategy, which frequently entails more than merely identifying a solitary tract of land.
The decision to refrain from advancing was a direct consequence of the inability to secure additional locations beyond the single site that had been identified. For a company renowned for its large-scale operations and ambitious growth aspirations, having merely one potential location secured did not suffice to justify the substantial investment and logistical endeavors required to penetrate a new state market such as Louisiana at that juncture. It serves as evidence of the meticulous, strategic approach adopted by the company, ensuring they possess the requisite foundation before embarking on a significant expansion.
This brief hiatus and the rationale behind it underscore the complexities inherent in large-scale commercial development. It was not a deficiency of desire to serve the populace of Louisiana, but rather a pragmatic consideration grounded in site availability and the company’s specific prerequisites for expansion. Comprehending this backdrop renders the subsequent news of their arrival even more exhilarating, knowing the care and resolve that go into selecting the precise location to establish Buc-ee’s presence.
6. **A Triumphant Reversal: Ruston Rolls Out the Welcome Mat** But as any dedicated road trip aficionado is aware, detours can occasionally lead one to marvelous, unforeseen destinations! Despite the preceding alteration in plans, the narrative for Louisiana takes an exhilarating turn, confirming that Buc-ee’s is indeed making its way to the state, selecting the vibrant community of Ruston as its inaugural home. This announcement was greeted with tremendous enthusiasm and anticipation, marking a significant milestone for both the company and the residents of Louisiana who have eagerly anticipated this moment. The target date for the opening of this highly anticipated location is set for some time in 2026, offering everyone something truly extraordinary to anticipate in the near future.
The commitment to Ruston was cemented with an official groundbreaking ceremony, a tangible indication that the project is progressing and that the amiable Beaver is truly making its entrance into North Louisiana. The support from the local community and officials has been nothing less than fervent, underscoring the collaborative ethos that frequently enables such large-scale developments. Speaking about the project, Jade West, the Director of Economic Development for the City of Ruston, conveyed heartfelt sentiments that encapsulate the prevailing sentiment, describing it as a “tremendous project” and expressing profound gratitude that Buc-ee’s selected their city for this monumental inaugural step in Louisiana. The partnership involved extends across local leadership, encompassing the City Council members, the Lincoln Parish School Board, the Lincoln Parish Police Jury, and the Lincoln Parish Sheriff, all collaborating to welcome this exciting new neighbor.
The impact of this development on Ruston and the broader North Louisiana region is anticipated to be substantial and enduring. It has been lauded as a “huge win” by local leaders, who are delighted that Buc-ee’s recognized the potential in their community. The magnitude of the capital investment is considerable, and the promise of creating over 200 jobs is regarded as nothing short of “extraordinary” for the citizens of Ruston, providing meaningful employment opportunities with competitive benefits. Officials forecast a significant economic impact, encompassing not only the direct benefits but also the exciting prospect of additional development and an “indirect economic impact” that will resonate throughout the community for years to come. This future Buc-ee’s will be conveniently situated off the I-20 Tarbutton Exit, and the community is already investing in infrastructure enhancements, undertaking an $8 million project on the interchange over the next 10 to 12 months, with Buc-ee’s construction to follow, expected to take 12 to 15 months. It is a clear indication of the community’s preparedness and eagerness to welcome the Beaver.
7. **Mapping the Future: Heading North to Wisconsin** The story of Buc-ee’s expansion is not confined to the South; the company is also directing its attention further afield, devising plans to introduce its unique travel center concept to the North. One such promising future location is planned for Oak Creek, Wisconsin, a move that indicates the brand’s expanding appeal and its ambition to cater to travelers in various regions of the country. It is always exhilarating to anticipate where the Beaver will appear next, and this planned location in the Badger State is undoubtedly generating excitement.
While specific details regarding the size and features of the Oak Creek location were not provided with the same level of detail as some of the recently opened or soon-to-open Southern stores, the city of Oak Creek itself announced information about the planned Buc-ee’s back in February. This official announcement confirms that plans are indeed underway and that progress is being made to realize this northern expansion. It represents a significant stride for Buc-ee’s, venturing into a new regional market and introducing its renowned clean restrooms, extensive food selection, and unique merchandise to a customer base that may not have had access to a Buc-ee’s nearby before.
This expansion into Wisconsin is more than just adding another location to the map; it is about extending Buc-ee’s distinctive brand of hospitality and convenience to new communities and travelers. It underscores the universal appeal of a travel center that genuinely prioritizes the customer experience, from efficient fueling to finding the perfect snack or souvenir. As plans advance in Oak Creek, anticipation builds for the day when travelers in Wisconsin can experience the magic of a Buc-ee’s stop for themselves, further cementing the brand’s reputation as a cherished travel destination across the United States.
As we have explored the latest exciting developments for Buc-ee’s, from the bustling new Mississippi location to the highly anticipated arrival in Virginia, the expanding family in Georgia, and the thoughtful approach to Louisiana’s inaugural location in Ruston, with future aspirations set on Wisconsin, one thing is evident: the road ahead is brimming with exciting possibilities! Each new travel center brings not only clean facilities and delicious food but also employment opportunities, investment, and a strong sense of community spirit. It is a testament to a company that understands the needs and desires of travelers, delivering them with a smile and a friendly wave from its iconic beaver mascot. So, the next time you plan a trip, keep an eye out for that familiar sign – you never know where the Buc-ee’s adventure might lead you next, promising a warm welcome and a refreshing stop on your journey!
