6 things to know about Buc-ee’s opening in S. Mississippi

Mississippi’s first Buc-ee’s is almost ready to open, drawing attention with its massive 74,000 square foot building and 120 fueling stations. Job fairs have attracted more than 200 hires, who will help run the travel center’s food counters, souvenir shelves, and famously clean restrooms. The signature bronze beaver statue is already a popular topic, as residents wait for its installation outside the entrance.

County leaders expect Buc-ee’s to spark new development nearby, as seen with the surrounding Oak Square Shopping Center and ongoing improvements to the Menge Avenue exit. Like in Loxley, Alabama, visitors can look forward to brisket sandwiches, Beaver nuggets, and a beaver mascot, while the community prepares for both increased traffic and possible economic growth.

Work continues on the construction of Buc-ee’s in Harrison County on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 1: BUC-EE’S BROUGHT ECONOMIC BOOM TO SMALL ALABAMA CITY. WILL HISTORY REPEAT IN SOUTH MS?

As Buc-ee’s arrival in South Mississippi gets closer, economic successes of the travel center in Alabama came with headaches. What can Harrison County learn from Alabama’s experience? | Published January 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Martha Sanchez

NO. 2: IS BUC-EE’S A ONE-SHOT WONDER FOR SOUTH MISSISSIPPI OR WILL MORE BUSINESSES FOLLOW?

The focus has been to get the new bridge and Buc-ee’s travel center open along I-10 in South Mississippi. Now it’s time to go after more business for that area of Harrison County. | Published January 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

NO. 3: HOW DEAL TO BRING BUC-EE’S TO SOUTH MISSISSIPPI CAME TO LIFE. ‘WE LOVE YOU. WE NEED YOU.’

The Harrison County travel center will be one of the biggest in the nation. | Published February 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Poet Wolfe

Progress is being made as the floors are down and the lights and some of the counters are in place as Harrison County officials tour the new Buc-ee’s travel center opening along I-10. By Harrison County Fire Rescue photo

NO. 4: TAKE A PEEK INSIDE THE NEW BUC-EE’S TRAVEL CENTER, OPENING SOON IN SOUTH MISSISSIPPI

Inspections are under way at the new Buc-ee’s in Harrison County as opening day nears for the company’s first Mississippi location. | Published March 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

The beaver signs are up on the building as construction continues on Buc-ee’s travel center in Harrison County on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 5: SAVE THE DATE. HERE’S WHEN BUC-EE’S IN SOUTH MISSISSIPPI IS SCHEDULED TO OPEN

The wait is nearly over. An official has announced when the long-awaited travel center in Harrison County will open. | Published April 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

The beaver statue welcomes you to Buc-ee’s in Loxley, Alabama. By Scott Watkins

NO. 6: ‘WHERE’S THE BEAVER?’ FANS AWAIT BELOVED STATUE OUTSIDE SOUTH MS BUC-EE’S

Construction of the new Buc-ee’s on I-10 in South MS is nearly complete and people await the bronze beaver statue before the grand opening. | Published April 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.