Buc-ee’s national expansion and culture impacts in 2025

Buc-ee’s, the Texas-based travel center chain renowned for its massive facilities and cult-like following, is experiencing significant national expansion.

New megastores are planned or under construction in states like Mississippi, North Carolina, and Kansas, showcasing its strategic preference for highly trafficked interstate locations. These projects often feature enormous gas stations, expansive food offerings, and a unique retail experience blending convenience store staples with extensive branded merchandise.

While many communities welcome the economic boost and job creation, concerns about increased traffic and impacts on local businesses have also emerged, particularly in rural areas like Monroe County, Georgia.

The brand’s ambitious footprint, like its record-breaking 74,000-square-foot centers in Texas and Tennessee, continues to redefine the roadside travel experience on a massive scale.

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

Cathy and Bob Stanton from Mrtyle Beach, SC picnic in the parking lot of Buc-ee’s in Florence, SC. By Travis Long

NO. 1: BUC-EE’S IS EXPANDING IN FLORIDA. WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL? WE TOOK A ROAD TRIP TO FIND OUT

The phenomenon isn’t part of pop culture. It’s a subculture rocketing into the mainstream. | Published April 24, 2024 | Read Full Story by Drew Jackson

Zack Daugherty makes his way around Missouri’s first Buc-ee’s with a Buc-ee plush toy stuffed inside his shirt. By Nathan Papes

NO. 2: BUC-EE’S, KNOWN FOR GIANT GAS STATIONS AND STORES, EYES NEW CENTER IN KANSAS CITY, KANSAS

The massive travel centers are themselves a destination for their massive fan base. | Published May 4, 2024 | Read Full Story by Bill Lukitsch

Beaver toys celebrate the Buc-ee’s mascot and are among the huge variety of merchandise sold at the travel store. By Courtesy of Buc-ee's

NO. 3: BUC-EE’S BECKONS: TAKE THE TRIP FROM COLUMBUS TO SEE WHAT ALL THE FUSS IS ABOUT. IT’S WORTH IT

Imagine a gas station as big as Jordan Hare field with endless snack options, pristine bathrooms and a unique shopping experience. That’s Buc-ee’s in Auburn | Published May 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sundi Rose

The Buc-ee’s sign at the New Braunfels location. By Ben Noey Jr.

NO. 4: KENTUCKY’S SECOND BUC-EE’S IS ABOUT TO OPEN. WHAT IT WILL (AND WON’T) HAVE.

The newest location will be near Bowling Green in Smiths Grove. | Published June 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Janet Patton

A Buc-ee’s sign in New Braunfels, Texas. The chain plans to open its first Kansas City area location near the Kansas Speedway. By Ben Noey Jr.

NO. 5: LARGEST EVER BUC-EE’S SET TO OPEN IN TEXAS. HERE’S WHEN THE TRAVEL CENTER OPENS ITS DOORS

Buc-ee’s is returning to its Texas roots with its newest record-breaking travel center. | Published May 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kate Marijolovic

NO. 6: BUC-EE’S CONFIRMS ANOTHER EXPANSION ON ITS RADAR. IS BEAVER FEVER SPREADING TO OUR NORTH?

A Buc-ee’s representative says the Texas chain of travel centers has its eye on another market. Could it be along Interstate 35, north of Fort Worth? | Published July 2, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jaida Joyner

A Buc-ee’s could be coming to this Monroe County spot.

NO. 7: A BUC-EE’S TRAVEL CENTER COULD BE COMING TO THIS MIDDLE GEORGIA SPOT. HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW

This would be Georgia’s third location. There are currently Buc-ee’s locations near Warner Robins and Adairsville. | Published October 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chelsea Madden

NO. 8: ANOTHER BUC-EE’S TRAVEL CENTER COULD BE COMING TO GEORGIA. HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW.

This would be Georgia’s third location. There are currently Buc-ee’s locations near Warner Robins and Adairsville. | Published October 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by cmadden@mcclatchy.comChelsea Madden

NO. 9: BUC-EE’S IS COMING TO HARDEEVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA. HERE’S WHEN IT WILL BE BUILT

Hardeeville City Council gave the initial green light for a travel center development off Exit 8, which would be home to the second Buc-ee’s in South Carolina. | Published November 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chloe Appleby

A Buc-ee’s travel emporium is set to open along Interstate 75 on the western edge of Warner Robins next month.

NO. 10: RESIDENTS, BUSINESS OWNERS CRITICAL OF NEW BUC-EE’S PLAN IN MONROE COUNTY. WHAT WE KNOW

The new Buc-ee’s was approved unanimously Monday night by the Monroe County Board of Commissioners. | Published December 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Lucinda Warnke

NO. 11: BUC-EE’S WILL BRING PEOPLE AND CHANGE TO MEBANE. HERE ARE 6 THINGS TO KNOW IN 2025.

The first step toward construction will expand a bridge across Interstate 85/40 to accommodate thousands of new trips. | Published January 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tammy Grubb

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

NO. 12: 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

NO. 13: BUC-EE’S CONSTRUCTION IN KANSAS CITY, KANSAS COULD BEGIN BEFORE MAY AFTER CLEARING HURDLE

Beaver-themed travel center will arrive in Kansas City area as famous Texas-based chain moves north | Published March 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Higgins

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. 14: 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

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.