4 New States Are Getting a Buc-ee's (Is Yours One?)

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 four 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 58 locations as of Aug. 18, 2026, according to Fox 7 Austin. That includes 37 stores in Texas and locations in 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!

Buc-ee's recently opened in Arizona, Arkansas, and Ohio

Buc-ee's continues to expand with no signs of slowing down, to the delight of everyone curious about the hype.

Arizona's first Buc-ee's opened June 22, 2026, in Goodyear, located on Bullard Avenue near I-10. Fans lined up overnight, and Gov. Katie Hobbs attended the ribbon-cutting.

Arkansas followed on Aug. 17, 2026, when the chain opened its first store in the state on I-30 in the Benton area in Saline County. The location set the record for biggest ever Buc-ee's groundbreaking, with over 400 attendees. Earlier, in April 2026, Buc-ee's opened its first Ohio store in Huber Heights.

Buc-ee's cleared hurdles to open in Wisconsin in 2028

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 dismissed the lawsuit in August 2025.

Construction is now underway, and the city expects the store to open in early 2028, though that could move up, according to Spectrum News. Buc-ee's paid $7.5 million for the site, and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's traffic review requires the company to help pay for roadway expansion. The mayor of the city is excited to work with Buc-ee's, calling it "a great corporate partner."

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 is expected to open in the state in April 2027 in Ruston. Construction is already well underway.

A second location is also in the works in Lafayette, which is now expected to open in 2028 after construction delays. The project is reportedly worth approximately $82 million, including $12.5 million in public infrastructure improvements.

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 Speedway in Kansas City in 2027. The Kansas City Star has reported a projected fall 2027 opening.

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 2028

Like Kansas, North Carolina has its own signature style of BBQ, but Buc-ee's isn't shying away from that market. Buc-ee's now lists 2028 as the estimated opening for its store in Mebane, North Carolina, which will be the first location in The Tar Heel State. The company had previously discussed a 2027 opening.

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 four new states as detailed above, Buc-ee's has plans to expand where it already has an established presence.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is expected to open Nov. 16, 2026. Stores in Gallaway, Tennessee; St. Lucie, Florida; Monroe County, Georgia; and Boerne, Texas, are planned for 2027. Further out, Buc-ee's plans locations in West Memphis, Arkansas; Ocala, Florida; and Oak Grove, Kentucky, in 2029, and in Hardeeville, South Carolina, in 2031.

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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