The iconic roadside destination Buc-ee’s is doubling down on expansion, and it’s making big waves. This isn’t your average gas-station stop. With massive retail footprints, dozens of fuel pumps and thousands of snack options, Buc-ee’s is redefining “pit stop”. From Tennessee to Kansas (and beyond), the brand is planting beaver flags across the U.S. Let’s break down what’s next — and why fellow travellers and local economies should care.
Massive Store Size, Massive Presence
Each of the brand’s new stores is built at a scale that’s hard to miss. For example, the upcoming Tennessee and Kansas City locations will each span roughly 74,000 square feet with around 120 fueling positions. The sheer size of these travel centers turns a normal quick stop into a potentially full-blown experience. And when your rest stop dwarfs some small stores, you know you’re dealing with something different.
Tennessee’s Murfreesboro: Strategic Pit Stop
In Murfreesboro, Tenn., Buc-ee’s is breaking ground at I-24 and Joe B. Jackson Parkway. This location is designed to serve travellers moving between Nashville, Atlanta, the Gulf Coast and more. It marks the retailer’s fourth location in Tennessee, showing that the state is now firmly part of the brand’s core expansion zone.
Kansas City Gets the Beaver Too
Just two days after the Tennessee ground-breaking, Buc-ee’s will start construction in Kansas City, Kansas at I-70 and West Village Parkway. The company says this location will serve “literally everyone in the United States”, citing its generous size and central placement as strategic advantages.
Signature Snacks & Texas-Sized Treats
What keeps people coming? Inside each store: Texas barbecue, homemade fudge, kolaches, Beaver Nuggets, jerky, fresh pastries – and thousands more snack, meal, and beverage options. These “not just gas station” features help turn a fuel stop into a destination in its own right.
From Texas Roots to Nationwide Expansion
Founded in Texas in 1982, Buc-ee’s began expanding beyond its home state in 2019 and now operates 54 stores total. That journey shows how it went from regional cult favourite to national contender. The brand’s growth reflects a shift in how we think about convenience stores.
Why the Huge Layouts? Here’s the Playbook
Part of the formula: massive retail area + many fuel pumps + high traffic intersections = a one-stop juggernaut for travellers. The business model here is about volume and attraction, turning what used to be a 5-minute stop into something more significant. It’s also about location, location, location.
Communities Win Big—But There Are Trade-Offs
Local officials often welcome new Buc-ee’s stores because of job creation and economic investment. For example, in Virginia, investment announcements included hundreds of jobs and millions in spending. On the flip side, larger infrastructure demands—traffic, utility loads and environmental impact—can raise concerns among residents and planners.
Keeping the Beaver Brand Consistent
From the mascot beaver, to the ultra-clean restrooms, to the huge snack shelves, Buc-ee’s has built a recognizable brand experience. Customers expect more than fuel; they expect fun, variety and convenience. That consistency across states helps the brand grow quickly and confidently.
What This Means for Road Trip Culture
As Buc-ee’s plants locations across more states, the classic “rest stop” is getting an upgrade. Road-trippers in Tennessee, Kansas or elsewhere may soon have a full-blown mega-store instead of a standard convenience store. For routes, it changes the planning: longer stops, more choices, maybe more linger time.
Looking Ahead: Even More States in Play
Beyond Tennessee and Kansas, Buc-ee’s is eyeing states such as Wisconsin, Ohio, Arkansas, Arizona and more. The expansion isn’t slowing down. As it enters new markets, we’ll see the beaver logo in places many thought unlikely just a few years ago.
What Travelers Should Know Before They Go
If you’re stopping by one of the new locations: expect crowds, expect choices, expect bigger-than-usual. Don’t treat it like a quick bathroom stop—it might turn into a shopping and food experience. Also, expect traffic around busy interstates; arriving early may ease the rush.
