Spotting a Buc-ee's on the highway is arguably almost as exciting as reaching your actual destination. Known for its huge stores, pristine restrooms, and endless snack options, the Texas-born chain has built quite a cult following.
Now, Buc-ee's is expanding into six new states, giving more people a chance to experience the phenomenon for themselves. While grabbing Beaver Nuggets might not exactly help you save money on travel, Buc-ee's aficionados would tell you it makes long road trips a lot more fun.
The beginning of Buc-ee's
The first Buc-ee's opened in 1982 in Lake Jackson, Texas, when the founder opened a small convenience store with a focus on clean bathrooms. As years passed, the gas station evolved into a full-blown destination, complete with delicious treats of every stripe.
For decades, Buc-ee's stayed mostly in Texas before eventually expanding into other states and becoming a travel hub in its own right.
How many Buc-ee's are there now?
Today, Buc-ee's has grown into a road trip empire with more than 50 locations in multiple states, including Texas, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and beyond.
Some stores are so giant they feel more like malls than gas stations, with aisles of eats, multiple drink stations, barbecue counters with freshly sliced brisket, and gift shops packed with beaver merch. People even get married at Buc-ee's!
Where is Buc-ee's opening in Arizona in 2026?
Buc-ee's continues to expand with no signs of slowing down, to the delight of everyone curious about the hype.
The company intends to open a location in Goodyear, Arizona, on June 22. It would be the first Buc-ee's in Arizona, located on Bullard Avenue near I-10. The city's mayor expressed optimism about the revenue the site could generate for the area.
Arkansas is going to have its first Buc-ee's in 2026
Central Arkansas is the home of the first Buc-ee's in its state, located on I-30 in the Benton area in Saline County.
Initially, Buc-ee's was set to open in September, but enough progress has been made that the rest stop may be ready a month earlier in August. The location set the record for biggest ever Buc-ee's groundbreaking, with over 400 attendees.
Buc-ee's cleared hurdles to open in Wisconsin in 2027
Buc-ee's hopes to open its doors in Wisconsin for the first time ever at I-94 and Elm Road in Oak Creek. Some residents sued to stop it due to disturbance concerns, but a judge gave the project the green light.
The mayor of the city is excited to work with Buc-ee's, who says they're investing approximately $5 million in the project to ensure it's properly supported.
Louisiana is finally going to have a Buc-ee's location
Although Buc-ee's has many locations in the South, Louisiana couldn't claim one until now. The first Buc-ee's may open in the state in 2027 in Ruston. Construction is already well underway.
A second location is also in the works in Lafayette, which may open in 2027 as opposed to 2028 as earlier reported. Buc-ee's is reportedly investing approximately $82 million in the project.
Buc-ee's is bringing its own BBQ to Kansas
Kansas City is already famous for its signature brand of BBQ, but that's not stopping Buc-ee's from opening near the Kansas City Speedway in Kansas City in 2027.
Construction has caused road closures, but the company promises they're doing their best to mitigate any inconvenience as it manifests its first location in the state.
North Carolina is welcoming a Buc-ee's in 2027
Like Kanses, North Carolina has its own signature style of BBQ, but Buc-ee's isn't shying away from that market. Buc-ee's hopes to turn on the lights in Mebane, North Carolina, in May of 2027, becoming the first location in The Tar Heel State.
The address should be at 1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road on I-40/85 exit 152 in Alamance County, where construction has been underway for months.
Where else is Buc-ee's planning to open stores?
In addition to opening locations in the six new states as detailed above, Buc-ee's has plans to expand where it already has an established presence.
New outlets are expected to start operations in Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee, as well as in Buc-ee's home state of Texas. That would mark the 37th Buc-ee's in The Lonestar State.
Bottom line
As Buc-ee's continues expanding into new states, more drivers may soon get to experience the road trip juggernaut. The chain has turned ordinary highway stops into fun adventures with its brisket sandwiches, Beaver Nuggets, and famously clean restrooms.
The growth also shows how popular road travel remains for vacationers. Pairing a Buc-ee's stop with smart planning, like using one of your top travel credit cards for gas, could help make your road trips easier, more affordable, and a lot more enjoyable.
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