We conquered the Buc-ee’s crowd, slayed the beaver and had lunch. You can, too
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Buc-ee's opened a new Mississippi location, expanding its Deep South presence.
- Efficient navigation avoids center crowds by targeting south-end snacks and exits.
- Main kitchen offers brisket, fudge, and bakery goods with quick grab-and-go access.
The Buc-ee’s empire has officially expanded into Mississippi with the opening of the Harrison County location Monday.
This brings us one step closer to the eventual activation of thousands of strategically placed animatronic beavers who will take over the world from their web of Buc-ee’s locations across America.
But you’ll probably want to try their caramel corn nuggets before then.
Buc-ee’s has fortified its reputation as it spreads its reach across the Deep South from its base in Texas. Each store opening brings a wave of fanfare around the iconic beaver symbol and, subsequently, throngs of beaver enthusiasts.
Before Monday, the nearest Buc-ee’s to South Mississippi was the Baldwin County location located along Interstate 10 near Loxley, Alabama, just before the Florida border.
That is the home territory of yours truly and where I have honed my Buc-ee’s survival skills. You’ll battle traffic, waves of people and an overstimulating amount of merch and food upon your first visit.
This will serve as your survival guide on how to sweep the chaotic scenes customary with summertime crowd rushes, whether you’re hoping to swiftly obtain snacks for the road or making an efficient meal run.
Quick trip tips
The first thing to consider, especially if you’re entering alone, is a pair of noise-canceling headphones. It isn’t uncommon to others get ahead of the game this way and does help you lock into your mission.
It’s important to know what you want and where to find it once you’re inside. If your goal is to avoid being rushed and find something quick to hold you over for that next leg of the road trip, head to the south end of the store, where you’ll find various sweet, salty and savory snacks.
There is a much lighter crowd here thanks to there being fewer parking spaces on that side of the store and being set away from the hectic scene at the heart of the building, where the main registers and primary food kiosks bring clustering crowds.
This is where you’ll see beaver branded jerky and trail mix, cotton candy and gummy worms and candles that smell like beaver nuggets (the food, presumably). You can also find various preserves and jams and salsas.
The opposite corner has all the drinks needed from water, soda, coffee, beer and, yes, Icees.
If you know you’re only in need of a snack and a drink, you can avoid the bulk of the crowd altogether within the Interstate-side of the building. There are check out lanes on this end, as well.
You’re feeling brave ... and hungry
The allure of barbecue and candy is difficult to resist. Buc-ee’s is well-respected for its kitchen work.
But this is the busiest section of the building, so pay attention to your surroundings. There are wandering children, oblivious influencers and meat-curious men browsing the selections.
And all of it is in constant motion. The central food station — the Texas Round Up — is oval shaped and meant to be perused buffet style.
The center side of it is where you’ll find the sandwiches. Club melts, pulled pork sandwiches, brisket sandwiches and more barbecue classics.
I can share from experience that you really can’t go wrong here. The food is even prepped right in front of you within the station. It’s a grab-and-go process. Emphasis on the “go.”
The other side has lighter offerings and therefore a lighter crowd. Salads, parfaits and puddings are the highlight.
The station across will draw your eye and force you to call your wife still sitting in the car to avoid getting in trouble for buying fudge for only yourself.
Along with cookie dough bites, roasted nuts and cookies, you’ve got fudges of peanut butter, tiger butter, salted caramel, M&M, birthday cake, cookies and cream, blueberry cheesecake and much more. There are free samples.
Finally, there’s the bakery and burrito wall. Located at the back, the main kitchen serves baked goods, tightly wrapped burritos and a bunch of jerky.
Here you can find muffins, a wider variety of cookies and jerky flavors ranging from peppered turkey, hot and spicy, steakhouse, bohemian garlic and a whole lot more.
Pro tip: You can typically find grab-and-go barbecue sandwiches at this spot if the Round Up is too hectic.
It’s time to get out
Congrats, you’ve nearly survived a cultural phenomenon. Now you just have to escape before the beaver gets you.
I find that way too many people mindlessly flow to the center registers at the storefront. This is often crowded and occasionally bogged by long lines.
If you can stomach walking (the horror), the employees at the south end of the store are begging for human interaction. You will be out in seconds.
The north side presents its own set of challenges. You’re fighting a lot of inflow traffic from the main parking lot, you’re battling the urge to buy that Fourth of July Buc-ee’s onesie that you think would look adorable on your niece and you may be lured by the prospect of buying a 17th pair of sunglasses.
But the lines to get out are usually shorter than the center lanes and chances are your walk back to the vehicle won’t be as long as exiting from the opposite end.
My final recommendation: enter on the center or north side. Walk with purpose to the Round Up and nab a chopped brisket sandwich. Grab some beaver nuggets near the registers or a block of fudge for snacking.
Head south, grab an Icee and pay on that end. You live and everyone is happy. Except for the beaver, who failed to devour your soul.
This story was originally published June 10, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
