Road trips aren’t just about getting from point A to point B—they’re about the stops you make along the way. Buc-ee’s has become a legend for travelers, thanks to its clean bathrooms, endless gas pumps, and food options that keep people coming back. But unless you’re rolling through Texas, chances are you’ll have to look elsewhere for your pit stop fix. Luckily, there are plenty of other roadside havens across the U.S. that give Buc-ee’s a run for its money. From fried chicken favorites to grocery-style gas stations, these spots deliver on size, food, and convenience.
Wawa: Hoagies That Hook You
Ask anyone from the Mid-Atlantic, and they’ll tell you Wawa is a lifestyle. With over 1,000 locations, it’s famous for its hoagies—generous subs that rival deli sandwiches. Wawa also wins points for its iced teas, lemonades, and freshly prepared foods that go way beyond typical gas station fare. It’s no wonder fans are fiercely loyal, treating Wawa as more than just a stop but a tradition.
Love’s Travel Stops: The Closest Thing to Buc-ee’s
With over 600 locations nationwide, Love’s stands tall as Buc-ee’s biggest competitor in terms of size and offerings. These massive travel stops often feature co-located restaurants like Arby’s or Burger King, Tesla charging stations, and even extras like laundry facilities or dog parks. A few even boast pet wash stations—yes, for your furry copilots. For sheer variety and road trip convenience, Love’s is as close as you’ll get to the Buc-ee’s experience.
Sheetz: Sandwiches and Coffee Your Way
Sheetz has carved out a loyal following with over 750 stores in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest. The draw here is variety—customizable sandwiches, a full coffee bar, and clean restrooms. While it doesn’t match Buc-ee’s in sheer size, Sheetz makes up for it with smart convenience and family-friendly amenities. It’s the kind of place where you can fuel up both your car and your appetite without missing a beat.
Royal Farms: Fried Chicken Heaven
Royal Farms might not have the same Texas roots as Buc-ee’s, but it wins over travelers with one thing—fried chicken. With nearly 300 stores stretching from Baltimore into the Carolinas, it’s a pit stop that feels a little like a country store and a lot like comfort food central. The chicken is hot, crispy, and famous enough that some people stop here just for a meal. Add in clean facilities and plenty of fuel pumps, and it’s an easy pick for road-weary drivers.
Kwik Trip/Kwik Star: Grocery Store on the Go
Midwestern travelers know Kwik Trip as more than just a gas station. With nearly 900 locations, it doubles as a mini grocery store, selling fresh produce like onions and potatoes alongside bakery goods and dairy items from its own kitchens. The restrooms are spotless, and the selection feels like a cross between a supermarket and a pit stop. That mix of practicality and comfort makes Kwik Trip a top-tier alternative to Buc-ee’s.
Stewart’s Shops: Ice Cream Roadside Classic
If your route takes you through upstate New York, Vermont, or New Hampshire, Stewart’s is a must. This chain started as an ice cream shop, and it hasn’t forgotten its roots. The ice cream is still the star, with locally inspired flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Beyond dessert, Stewart’s offers quick meals, fuel, and a nostalgic charm that makes it a road trip staple for Northeastern travelers.
Maverik: Adventure Stops With Burritos
Known as “Adventure’s First Stop,” Maverik is a Western chain that has grown even bigger after acquiring Kum & Go. With over 800 locations, it delivers plenty of space, fuel, and quick eats for road trippers. The standout here is Maverik’s BonFire burritos—hearty, hot, and just the thing when you’re running on highway miles. These stops are built for people who want more than just gas; they want a meal and a recharge.
Kum & Go: Midwest Convenience Done Right
Though soon to be fully rebranded as Maverik, Kum & Go still deserves its moment on this list. Found throughout the Midwest, these stores offer a wide range of snacks, drinks, and grab-and-go meals that make them perfect pit stops. Their spacious layouts and highway-friendly locations make them especially handy for long drives. For now, the Kum & Go name still delivers on quick service and reliable convenience.
Final Fuel-Up: What’s Your Favorite?
Not every road trip leads you past a Buc-ee’s, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. From fried chicken at Royal Farms to giant subs at Wawa and full-service stops at Love’s, these chains prove that great pit stops exist all over the country. Each one brings its own flavor, charm, and reason to pull over. Did we cover your go-to stop, or do you have a hidden gem we missed? Drop a comment and let us know where you fuel up on your adventures.
