Buc-ee’s may be famous for spotless bathrooms and endless snacks, but behind the scenes, things can get shockingly chaotic. Employees have seen everything from medical emergencies to wildlife mishaps unfold inside these enormous highway stops. The stories are messy, unbelievable, and—in some cases—downright disturbing. These firsthand accounts reveal what really happens when thousands of travelers stream through a store around the clock. From rogue monkeys to unexpected livestock, here’s a look at the craziest things workers say they’ve witnessed on the job.
Stroke on Shift
A former employee shared one of the most upsetting stories: a coworker was fired while experiencing a stroke. According to the account, management didn’t recognize—or didn’t care—that the employee needed immediate medical attention. Instead of offering help, they treated it like a performance issue. The incident left other workers shocked and horrified, questioning the store’s priorities. It remains one of the most frequently cited examples of mishandling a crisis.
The Ladder Fall Break
Another employee described a disturbing moment when a coworker fell off a ladder. Instead of receiving real support, she was told that the time she took recovering from the fall would count as her official break. Workers were stunned that physical injury was brushed aside so casually. The event pushed at least one employee to quit altogether. It’s one of several examples showing how tough the environment can feel behind the Buc-ee’s shine.
A Gunshot Victim Collapses Inside
One employee recalled a man who had been shot in a road-rage incident on the highway. The wounded driver pulled into the store and collapsed at the entrance. Employees and customers were suddenly thrust into an emergency situation they never expected. The chaos was immediate—and unforgettable. It’s the kind of moment you hope never to witness at work.
Monkey Bites a Kid
At the Terrell location, a worker witnessed a woman walking a monkey through the store. Things escalated when the monkey suddenly bit a child. The strangest part? Another commenter joked that the monkey looked shocked too. The incident quickly became one of the most retold “Buc-ee’s chaos” stories online. Unexpected animal encounters are rare…but clearly not impossible.
Soup Kitchen in a Prius
While pumping gas, one commenter saw what they described as a “soup kitchen in a Prius.” It was a chaotic scene that looked like a group of people camping out and serving food from inside the tiny car. Employees couldn’t help but stare at the unusual setup. It was so bizarre that even they weren’t sure what to make of it. This incident became one of the more humorous—and confusing—moments ever reported.
A Calf in the Backseat
At another Buc-ee’s location, a worker watched a woman casually load a small calf into the backseat of her truck. The sight drew double-takes from everyone nearby. Employees had seen dogs, cats, and the occasional exotic pet…but a farm animal was a new level of unexpected. It’s still one of the most surreal things staff say they’ve seen in the parking lot. The calf, however, seemed unfazed.
When Nature Calls…Twice
Employees at the Waller location described a shockingly memorable moment involving a grown 400-pound man. He was sprinting for the bathroom when he suddenly soiled himself before making it inside. Even more unbelievable, it reportedly happened again 30 minutes later as he left the store. Workers were left stunned, speechless, and unsure how to recover from witnessing it. It quickly became one of the most infamous Buc-ee’s stories ever shared.
Racism in Resume Screening
One employee recalled a manager giving discriminatory instructions to someone reviewing applications. According to the account, the manager said to “throw out anything that ends in ‘-eisha.’” Staff who overheard it were left furious. The comment sparked outrage among workers who condemned the blatant racism. It’s one of the most disturbing behind-the-scenes claims and shows that not all chaos at Buc-ee’s comes from customers.
The Clean Bathroom Enthusiasts
Some employees joked that Buc-ee’s is basically a paradise for stoners and anyone who appreciates a spotless restroom during a long drive. Even in the middle of the chaos, customers constantly rave about the clean bathrooms. Workers note that people treat the restrooms like a tourist attraction. It’s one of the few parts of the job that always draws praise. For some employees, the clean-bathroom obsession adds a little humor to otherwise wild shifts.
A Child Running Out Naked
One traveler recounted seeing a child run out of the bathroom naked, hurt, and screaming. Employees didn’t know what had happened, but the scene caused immediate panic. Families rushed over, customers froze, and workers tried to figure out how to respond. It was loud, chaotic, and confusing for everyone present. The moment still stands out as one of the most shocking things guests and staff witnessed.
A Pedestrian Run Over in the Parking Lot
In one of the darkest stories, someone described seeing a person get run over by a distracted driver outside the store. The aftermath drew a crowd and left employees shaken. Buc-ee’s parking lots are huge and constantly busy, making accidents a real risk. Still, workers never expect to witness such a serious incident. It’s one of the most somber moments tied to the chain.
Buc-ee’s During Emergencies
A commenter added that the craziest moments happen during hurricanes or major freezes. Buc-ee’s tries to stay open as long as possible, often becoming one of the last places with hot food and running water. During these events, lines for hot meals can stretch 40 minutes, and all cold items—sandwiches, salads, cups—sell out immediately. Employees describe a mix of chaos and heroics as they keep things running. Emergency shifts seem to bring out both the worst and best moments at Buc-ee’s.
Buc-ee’s—More Chaos Than Anyone Realized
These employee stories reveal a side of Buc-ee’s most travelers never see. Behind the clean restrooms, famous snacks, and friendly beaver mascot, workers face medical emergencies, bizarre animal encounters, and unbelievable human chaos on a regular basis.
