The beloved Texas travel-stop chain keeps spreading across the country, although some planned locations are facing delays and uncertainty.
There was a time when Buc-ee’s was basically a Texas-only phenomenon.
Now the giant beaver-branded travel stop chain seems determined to slowly take over the country.
Where Buc-ee’s already exists
The first Buc-ee’s outside the state of Texas opened in Baldwin County, Alabama in 2018. That was followed by openings in:
- Alabama – Athens, Auburn, Leeds, Loxley, Robertsdale
- Colorado – Johnstown
- Florida – Daytona Beach, St. Augustine
- Georgia – Brunswick, Calhoun, Warner Robins
- Kentucky – Richmond, Smiths Grove
- Mississippi – Harrison County
- Missouri – Springfield
- Ohio – Huber Heights
- South Carolina – Florence
- Tennessee – Crossville, Sevierville
- Texas – Too many to list, but a total of 37 locations
- Virginia – Rockingham County
New states getting Buc-ee’s
There are other states where Buc-ee’s is currently scheduled to make headways in the next few years:
- Arizona – Goodyear, June 2026
- Arkansas – Benton, August 2026
- Kansas – Kansas City, 2027
- Louisiana – Lafayette and Ruston, 2027
- North Carolina – Mebane, late 2027 (delayed from late 2026/early 2027)
- Wisconsin – Oak Creek, April 2027
All opening dates are, of course subject to change. In fact, Louisiana was supposed to be the location of the first Buc-ee’s outside of Texas, way back in 2017. But that Baton Rouge location was eventually cancelled.
States with more Buc-ee’s slated to open
States that already have (or are about to have) a Buc-ee’s but are currently scheduled to get one or more new locations include:
- Florida – St. Lucie, Tallahassee (both 2027)
- Georgia – Monroe County, March 2027
- Texas – San Marcos, 2027
Locations facing delays
Sometimes a Buc-ee’s is announced and then it takes forever for it to open, thanks to red tape. There are a few Buc-ee’s currently in such limbo, for various reasons.
- Arkansas – West Memphis, June 2028 (2 year delay), two locations will open later than expected due to “project delays.”
- Florida – Ocala, 2028
- Kentucky – Oak Grove, 2027 or later
- Tennessee – Gallaway/Fayette County, August 2027 (year delay from “Summer 2026)
The Buc-ee’s that may never happen
Sometimes Buc-ee’s locations are announced by the press before meetings are even adjourned, never mind the ink on the proposal has dried. Then something happens (construction, public concerns, etc) and the Buc-ee’s that “might” happen remains in limbo. That appears to be the case for Buc-ee’s locations in:
- Colorado – Palmer Lake
- Nebraska – Gretna
- Ohio – Mansfield
- Oklahoma – Oklahoma City
- South Carolina – Hardeeville (potentially not until 2031)
- Texas – Boerne
- Virginia – Mount Crawford, New Kent (potentially not until 2031), Stafford
Buc-ee’s typically follows a very specific formula when choosing locations. The stores are often built on relatively inexpensive land along major interstate highways between two sizable cities—routes like I-10, I-35, and I-95. Once groundbreaking begins, it typically takes 18 to 24 months to complete a location, if there are no delays.
Which states probably won’t get one
As you can see from the states where Buc-ee’s have either opened or are slated to open, expansion began in the south and is working its way into the Midwest, West, and Middle America. However there are several states that will never get a Buc-ee’s.
At this point, Buc-ee’s has clearly moved far beyond being just a quirky Texas roadside stop.
The company’s expansion plans show they’re aiming to become a nationwide travel brand, especially along major highway corridors where road-trippers practically print money for them.
That said, Buc-ee’s stores are massive projects that require huge parcels of land, extensive infrastructure work, and local approval. So while some states are practically begging for a Buc-ee’s, others may continue fighting over proposed locations for years.
And then there are the states that probably just aren’t “Buc-ee’s territory” at all.
At least for now. Because honestly, at the rate they’re expanding, Alaska and Hawaii may eventually wind up with their own Buc-ee’s somehow… 😏
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