Get ready, fellow travelers, because the beloved beaver is on the move like never before, bringing its unique brand of roadside paradise to more states across the South and beyond! For anyone who’s ever experienced the sheer joy and delightful chaos that is a Buc-ee’s pit stop, this news is nothing short of exhilarating. The Texas-based behemoth is aggressively expanding its footprint, solidifying its place as a true American institution and a must-visit destination for anyone hitting the open road.
From the moment you glimpse that iconic beaver logo on the horizon, a sense of anticipation builds. It’s more than just a gas station; it’s a “temple to highway convenience,” a sprawling oasis that promises everything a weary traveler could possibly desire, and then some. Buc-ee’s has cultivated a cult-like following, and it’s easy to see why once you step inside one of their gargantuan stores.
At the heart of Buc-ee’s legendary status are its restrooms, famously hailed as the “Cleanest Bathrooms in America” by Cintas Corporation. And let me tell you, that reputation is incredibly well-deserved! These aren’t just ordinary stalls; they’re expansive, individual rooms complete with doors, personal sanitizing dispensers, and a constant, meticulous cleaning regimen by dedicated staff. During peak hours, you might even encounter a friendly traffic director guiding you to an open stall, ensuring the line, no matter how long, moves with remarkable efficiency. It’s an experience that truly sets Buc-ee’s apart.
But the magic of Buc-ee’s extends far beyond pristine facilities. This is a culinary wonderland for the road-tripper, offering an “above-average culinary offering” that can satisfy any craving. Imagine indulging in freshly made pulled pork sandwiches, the iconic sweet and crunchy Beaver Nuggets, an array of premium jerky, and decadent fresh fudge. You might even hear the enthusiastic cry of employees yelling, “Fresh, hot brisket on board!” as a new, mouth-watering brisket is brought to the BBQ counter, all made fresh right there in the stores.
Beyond these signature treats, the selection is seemingly unlimited, from coffee with all the add-ins imaginable to breakfast bowls, tortillas, and so much more. It’s a treasure trove of snacks and meals designed to fuel any journey, morning, noon, or night. These vast food and beverage options ensure that every visitor finds something to delight their palate, making Buc-ee’s a true foodie haven on the highway.
In fact, Buc-ee’s has become a cherished “traveler’s destination while on road trips,” with many families, like mine, purposefully routing their journeys to ensure a stop. The brand, founded in 1982 by Arch Aplin III, started with a simple yet brilliant premise: offer customers two things they wanted most—cheap ice and clean restrooms. This core philosophy, coupled with Aplin’s deep roots in the general store business, laid the foundation for the phenomenon we see today.
The mascot, Buc-ee the Beaver, is a charming fusion of Aplin III’s own nickname, his dog’s name Buck, and a nod to the vintage Ipana toothpaste mascot, Bucky the Beaver. This whimsical character has become instantly recognizable, gracing everything from the stores themselves to the highly sought-after “collectables, such as the store’s trademark beaver shirts, hats, stickers, and more.” It’s this attention to detail, from the cleanliness to the quirky brand identity, that fosters such immense loyalty among fans.
Buc-ee’s remained an exclusively Texas marvel until 2019, when it opened its first out-of-state location in Alabama, marking the beginning of its ambitious national expansion. This was followed by its “first location west of Texas in Johnstown, Colorado, in 2024,” signaling a clear intent to spread its unique brand of hospitality across the country. And the expansion isn’t just about more stores; it’s about pushing boundaries.
Consider the sheer scale of these operations: the recently opened Luling, Texas, store now proudly holds the title of the “largest travel center in the World,” sprawling across an incredible 75,000 square feet. This colossal facility replaced the brand’s very first family travel center, a testament to Buc-ee’s growth and commitment to grandeur. Before Luling, the Sevierville, Tennessee, store held the record at 74,707 square feet, illustrating the brand’s continuous pursuit of bigger and better.
Beyond just size, Buc-ee’s innovations are truly impressive. The Katy, Texas, location boasts the “world’s longest car wash,” a staggering 255 feet of conveyor that takes approximately five minutes to navigate. This commitment to providing comprehensive convenience, from fuel to sparkling clean vehicles, is part of the all-encompassing Buc-ee’s experience. And rest assured, every Buc-ee’s is a beacon of reliability, open “24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” ready to welcome travelers whenever the road calls.
Now, for the thrilling news that has everyone buzzing: Buc-ee’s is officially planting its beaver flag in a new Southern state, with Benton, Arkansas, set to become home to one of the brand’s next magnificent locations! This store, positioned off Interstate 30 at Exit 114, is not just any new opening; it’s slated to be “one of the brand’s largest built,” potentially tying for the largest size, promising the full, unparalleled Buc-ee’s experience to Arkansans and those traveling through. The Benton Courier reported that this first Arkansas location is “expected to open by September 2026,” bringing its signature “joy and chaos” to the area, just 30 miles from Little Rock.
Product on Amazon: Maxwell House 27.5oz Ground Coffee Medium Original Roast
Brand: MAXWELL HOUSE
Binding: Grocery Product Group: Grocery
Price: 11.12 USD
Rating: 4.7 Total reviews: 20548
Item Form: Ground
Flavor: Original Roast
Caffeine Content Description: Caffeinated
Roast Level: Medium Roast
Shopping on Amazon >>
But Arkansas isn’t alone in this exciting wave of expansion. A second Arkansas location is anticipated in West Memphis in 2026, with the possibility of a third on the horizon, signaling a robust commitment to the Natural State. Indeed, the coming years are packed with eagerly awaited openings, painting a vibrant picture of Buc-ee’s continued aggressive expansion across the U.S.
Let’s talk about the incredible roadmap of upcoming Buc-ee’s locations. For 2025, we’re looking forward to new travel centers in Harrison County, Mississippi; Brunswick, Georgia; and Rockingham County, Virginia. The Brunswick, Georgia, location is particularly exciting, having recently opened its doors on July 1, becoming Georgia’s third Buc-ee’s. This new facility is expected to bring 200 full-time jobs to the area, a significant economic boost.
Looking further into 2026, the beaver is making its mark in multiple states. The Phoenix suburb of Goodyear, Arizona, will welcome its first Buc-ee’s in June 2026, strategically placed along Interstate 10 to serve travelers heading to or from western Arizona and California. Huber Heights, Ohio, is also set to get its first Buc-ee’s in April 2026, after some construction delays, bringing the brand’s unique appeal to the Buckeye State. Murfreesboro, Tennessee, will also see a new location join its ranks.
Further down the line, Ruston and Lafayette, Louisiana, are poised to open their state’s very first Buc-ee’s stores soon, promising new adventures for travelers in the Pelican State. In Florida, Ocala broke ground in February, aiming for a 2026 opening, while Fort Pierce will also gain a new store. A location in southwestern Florida is also “under consideration as a part of a trio of villages in Harborview,” potentially replacing proposed housing in the West Village, showcasing the brand’s flexibility in development.
North Carolina is also getting in on the action, with a Buc-ee’s location in Mebane “targeted for an opening in late 2026 or early 2027,” or potentially “late this year or early next year,” depending on the latest developments. This highlights the dynamic nature of these large-scale projects, but the excitement for its arrival is palpable. The company is even “considering a move into Oklahoma,” adding to its rapidly growing portfolio that already boasts “more than 60 locations” nationwide.
Georgia, a state already familiar with the Buc-ee’s phenomenon, is gearing up for its fourth location in Monroe County, which has officially been approved by the state. This substantial 74,000-square-foot facility, located off I-75 on Rumble Road, is projected to open in March 2027 and will create another 200 full-time jobs. The project demonstrates a profound commitment to infrastructure, with Buc-ee’s planning to “spend an estimated $10 million on road upgrades near the site,” including new traffic lights and roundabouts to manage the anticipated flow of delighted customers.
This Monroe County site, strategically located “roughly midway between Atlanta and Macon,” even required special state approval, a “stream buffer variance,” to build near two unnamed dendritic tributaries to Deer Creek. It’s a testament to the comprehensive planning and investment that goes into each new Buc-ee’s, ensuring they are not only convenient but also integrated thoughtfully into their surroundings. Georgia, already home to Buc-ee’s in Calhoun and Warner Robins, along with the recent Brunswick opening, is clearly a hotspot for the brand.
The expansion momentum doesn’t stop there. By 2027, Gallaway, Tennessee; Oak Creek, Wisconsin; and Kansas City, Missouri, are all slated to receive new Buc-ee’s stores, bringing the grand total of new openings between now and 2027 to a staggering 14! And even beyond these confirmed projects, there are still more locations “being worked on right now but nothing has been finalized as of this writing,” including sites in San Marcos, Texas; Palmer Lake, Colorado; Harbour Heights, Florida; Anderson, South Carolina; Hardeeville, South Carolina; Oak Grove City, Kentucky; and another mention of Oak Creek, Milwaukee.
The cultural impact of Buc-ee’s is undeniable. Georgia lawmakers even recognize March 20 as ‘Buc-ee’s Day’ at the state Capitol, highlighting the brand’s deep integration into regional identity. The company has even released its first children’s book, further cementing its role as a family-friendly icon. It’s fascinating how this brand has grown from humble beginnings into a beloved fixture of American road trips, offering far more than just gas and snacks.
While Buc-ee’s is a haven for travelers, it’s important to remember one crucial rule: Buc-ee’s is “NOT a truck stop and 18-wheelers are banned from the stores.” This policy helps maintain the unique atmosphere and flow that makes Buc-ee’s so appealing to family vacationers and car travelers. Each store, averaging “100 gas pumps per store,” is designed for maximum efficiency for personal vehicles, ensuring you can fuel up quickly and get back on the road.
For those who haven’t yet experienced the joy of a Buc-ee’s, you truly are “in for a treat.” Imagine pulling off the highway into a massive parking lot, filled with cars, knowing that inside awaits not only the cleanest restrooms you’ve ever encountered but also a feast for the senses. The aroma of freshly cooked barbecue wafts through the air, vibrant merchandise catches your eye, and rows upon rows of snacks and drinks beckon. You can even “buy art at Buc-ee’s!” on your way to the restroom – a truly unexpected delight!
Product on Amazon: Buc-ee’s Famous Beaver Nuggets Sweet Corn Puff Snacks, 13 Ounces (Pack of Two 13 Ounce Bags – 26 Ounces Total)
Brand: Buc-ee’s
Binding: Misc. Product Group: Grocery
Price: 21.8 USD
Rating: 4.3 Total reviews: 5621
Flavor: Sweet Corn
Package Information: Bag
Item Weight: 1.7 Pounds
Number of Items: 2
Shopping on Amazon >>
This aggressive expansion signifies Buc-ee’s unwavering commitment to becoming a national phenomenon. From its humble Texas roots, the beaver is carving out an impressive empire, promising unparalleled convenience, cleanliness, and culinary delights to even more corners of the country. With more openings expected beyond 2027, the question isn’t if Buc-ee’s will continue to grow, but how far its boundless reach will extend. Perhaps one day we’ll see locations “as far west as California? What about as far northeast as New York? Only time will tell,” but one thing is certain: the future of road trips is bright, thanks to the ever-expanding world of Buc-ee’s. It’s an exciting journey, and we’re all invited along for the ride!
