Buc-ee’s, the U.S. convenience store, travel center, and popular Texas-themed gas station chain, continues to grow.
Having earned a cult-like following for its beaver-themed merchandise, fresh barbecue, and ever-pristine bathrooms, Buc-ee’s has been able to open a number of new locations recently—and its ambitious expansion plans stretch all the way through 2031.
On June 22, a new Buc-ee’s arrived just outside of Phoenix. The opening marked the chain’s first Arizona store and its most western location yet. Earlier this year, a Buc-ee’s popped up in Huber Heights, Ohio, following a Johnstown, Colorado, opening last year.
Where are the planned openings?
Buc-ee’s, which features freshly prepared barbecue, along with sweet treats like Beaver Nuggets (caramel-coated corn puffs) and fudge, is still gnawing its way across the country. According to what a Buc-ee’s representative told USA Today, the chain will open three more locations this year: in San Marcos, Texas, on July 27; Benton, Arkansas, on August 17; and Murfreesboro, Tennessee, on November 16.
The expansion won’t stop there, however. In 2027, new Buc-ee’s outposts will open in Ruston, Louisiana; Kansas City, Kansas; Gallaway, Tennessee; St. Lucie County, Florida; Boerne, Texas; and Monroe County, Georgia. Openings are planned for Mebane, North Carolina, and Lafayette, Louisiana, in 2028.
The chain’s 2029 plans include new locations in Ocala, Florida; West Memphis, Arkansas; and Oak Grove, Kentucky. And Hardeeville, South Carolina, will be welcoming a new Buc-ee’s sometime in 2031.
Why is Buc-ee’s so beloved?
If you’re thinking, That’s a ton of Buc-ee’s stores!, you’re not wrong. Known for being an iconic Southern pit stop, Buc-ee’s already operates 56 locations across 13 states. Not only does it provide fresh food, which can be tough to find when you’re on the road, it also functions as a kind of mini amusement park that families have come to enjoy and even make a part of their travel plans.
Additionally, Buc-ee’s has a reputation for being an affordable stop to fill up the tank. “Buc-ee’s makes low prices because they are a large-volume seller of gasoline, but also because they make much better margins on their merchandise and food inside the store,” energy expert Michael Webber, a University of Texas at Austin professor, recently told Chron.
Interestingly, even though Buc-ee’s customers can’t get enough of the chain, the Better Business Bureau recently gave it an F rating. The organization said it has received around 90 complaints over the past three years for things like overcharging and poor customer service; the rating reflects the fact that the chain didn’t respond to a single one of those complaints.
Either way, the loyal patrons who never fail to make Buc-ee’s part of their road trips aren’t likely to be phased. And given that finding affordable gas is currently a challenge, that alone may be reason enough to stop off at the Texas-themed chain whenever possible.
