Buc-ee’s Expansion Plans in the U.S., Where the Travel Center Chain Is Opening Next

Quick Answer

Buc-ee's is actively expanding across the United States with six new locations scheduled to open in 2025 and 2026 across Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, Virginia, Arizona, and Ohio. The chain is also considering additional locations in Idaho, Utah, and Florida, while further expansion plans include potential stores in Nebraska, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri.

This growth would bring the total number of states with Buc-ee's locations to 18.

Key Facts

• Six new stores are set to open in 2025 and 2026 across Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, Virginia, Arizona, and Ohio
• The expansion would bring Buc-ee's presence to 18 total states
• Virginia's third location is proposed for Stafford County near I-95 Exit 140, featuring 74,000 square feet, 120 gas pumps, and 833 parking spaces on 35 acres
• Idaho's first Buc-ee's is planned, though specific details remain under development
• Two new Texas stores will open in 2026
• Additional states under consideration include Nebraska, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Kansas
• Buc-ee's is also developing an EV charging network in partnership with Mercedes-Benz
• The company broke ground on several new travel centers in 2025

How Buc-ee's Became a Travel Center Phenomenon

Buc-ee's has transformed from a single Texas convenience store into a cultural institution and travel destination. The chain's business model relies on massive store footprints, an almost absurd number of gas pumps, and a curated selection of proprietary snacks, jerky, and merchandise that keeps customers returning.

Unlike traditional gas stations that maximize convenience through minimalism, Buc-ee's maximizes through excess—clean restrooms with no wait, dozens of checkout lanes, and a floor plan that could house a small supermarket. The company's expansion strategy follows interstate highway corridors and growing suburban markets where traffic volumes justify the massive capital investment.

Each location typically requires 20 to 35 acres of land, with stores ranging from 50,000 to 80,000 square feet. For comparison, a typical convenience store might occupy 2,500 to 5,000 square feet.

This scale creates a self-reinforcing loop: the sheer size attracts customers, which justifies the size, which in turn generates the revenue needed to maintain the pristine facilities Buc-ee's is known for. The expansion beyond Texas began slowly, with early out-of-state locations in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.

Now, the company is accelerating, targeting regions with strong population growth and heavy interstate traffic. The 2025-2026 expansion wave represents the most aggressive geographic diversification in the company's history.

Where Buc-ee's Is Opening Next A State-by-State Breakdown

Texas The Home Base Continues to Grow

Texas remains the heart of Buc-ee's operations, and two new stores are scheduled to open in 2026. While specific city locations have not been finalized in publicly available information, the company has confirmed these additions as part of its ongoing commitment to its home state.

Texas currently hosts the majority of Buc-ee's locations, and the new stores will likely target growing suburbs along major interstates such as I-35, I-45, and I-10. The Texas expansion is notable because it demonstrates that even in its most saturated market, Buc-ee's sees room for growth.

The state's population continues to increase, with cities like Austin, San Antonio, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex adding hundreds of thousands of new residents annually. Buc-ee's locations in these areas serve both local customers on their daily commutes and long-distance travelers passing through.

Arizona First Location on the Horizon

Arizona is set to receive its first Buc-ee's location, marking the chain's entry into the Southwest. The specific city has not been confirmed in available reports, but likely candidates include Phoenix metro area suburbs or a location along I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix.

Arizona's warm climate and heavy tourist traffic to destinations like the Grand Canyon make it a logical market for Buc-ee's. The Arizona store is expected to follow the standard Buc-ee's format with a large footprint, extensive gas pumps, and the full range of proprietary products.

This location will serve as a gateway for potential expansion into neighboring states like Nevada and New Mexico.

Mississippi A New Market in the Deep South

Mississippi will join the list of Buc-ee's states with a location opening in 2026. The state sits along key north-south and east-west interstate corridors, including I-55 and I-20, which carry significant traffic between the Midwest, Gulf Coast, and East Coast.

A Buc-ee's in Mississippi would serve travelers heading to and from New Orleans, Gulfport, and points along the Gulf Coast. The choice of Mississippi reflects Buc-ee's strategy of filling in gaps along major travel routes.

With existing stores in Alabama and Louisiana, a Mississippi location creates a continuous corridor of Buc-ee's options for travelers crossing the Gulf region.

Georgia Expanding an Established Presence

Georgia already has Buc-ee's locations, and the new store represents continued growth in a state that has embraced the chain. Georgia's position as a major transportation hub, with Atlanta as a crossroads of multiple interstates, makes it an attractive market.

The new location will likely target a growing suburban area or a high-traffic interstate corridor. Buc-ee's existing Georgia stores have proven successful, and the state's population growth, particularly in the Atlanta metro area and along the I-16 corridor to Savannah, supports additional locations.

Georgia also serves as a gateway between Buc-ee's southeastern stores and those in the Midwest and Northeast.

Virginia Third Store Proposed for Stafford County

Virginia's third Buc-ee's is proposed for Stafford County, located near I-95 Exit 140. This location would feature 74,000 square feet of retail space, 120 gas pumps, and 833 parking spaces on a 35-acre site.

Stafford County sits between Richmond and Washington, D.C., in one of the most heavily traveled corridors on the East Coast. I-95 in Virginia handles enormous traffic volumes daily, including commuters, commercial trucks, and vacation travelers heading between the Northeast and Florida.

A Buc-ee's at Exit 140 would capture this traffic, offering a clean, spacious alternative to the typical rest stop options along this route. The scale of this proposed location—120 gas pumps—underscores the company's confidence in the traffic volumes on this corridor.

The Stafford County proposal also highlights the regulatory challenges Buc-ee's faces in expanding. Large-scale developments require approvals from local planning boards, zoning commissions, and sometimes state transportation departments.

The 35-acre site and 833 parking spaces represent a significant land use, which can generate both community support and opposition depending on local sentiment.

Ohio A Midwestern Beachhead

Ohio marks Buc-ee's entry into the Midwest, a region with different travel patterns than the Sun Belt states where the chain has traditionally focused. Ohio sits at the intersection of multiple major interstates, including I-70, I-71, I-75, and I-80, making it a natural location for a travel center that serves both east-west and north-south traffic.

The Ohio location will likely be positioned along one of these corridors, possibly near Columbus or in the Cincinnati-Dayton area. Ohio's position as a transportation hub means the store could draw customers from multiple states, including Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Beyond 2026 States Under Consideration

Idaho, Utah, and Florida Future Possibilities

Buc-ee's is considering new locations in Idaho, Utah, and Florida. Idaho would represent the chain's entry into the Pacific Northwest region, while Utah would serve travelers on I-15, the major north-south corridor through the Mountain West.

Florida already has Buc-ee's locations, but additional stores would serve the state's growing population and strong tourism industry. Idaho's first Buc-ee's is planned, though specific details remain under development.

The state's population has grown significantly in recent years, particularly in the Boise metro area, making it an attractive market for new retail development. Idaho also sits along I-84, which connects to Portland, Oregon, and Salt Lake City, Utah, providing access to regional travelers.

Utah's potential location would likely target the I-15 corridor, which carries heavy traffic between Salt Lake City, St. George, and Las Vegas.

The state's growing population and position as a gateway to national parks make it a logical expansion target.

Nebraska First Store Planned for Gretna

Buc-ee's is planning to build its first convenience store in Nebraska, located off Interstate 80 in Gretna. Leaders expect plans to be finalized in March.

Gretna sits just outside Omaha, positioning the store to serve both local residents and travelers on I-80, one of the most important east-west highways in the country. The Nebraska location would fill a gap between Buc-ee's existing Midwestern and Mountain West presence.

I-80 carries heavy traffic between Chicago, Denver, and points west, making a Buc-ee's in Nebraska a natural stop for long-distance travelers. The timing of this project suggests it could open in 2027 or later, depending on the permitting and construction process.

Wisconsin and Louisiana Northern and Gulf Expansion

Buc-ee's is opening locations in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, which would become the chain's northernmost location, and Ruston, Louisiana. The Wisconsin store represents a significant geographic stretch for a company rooted in the warm-weather South.

Oak Creek, a suburb of Milwaukee, sits near I-94 and Lake Michigan, serving both local commuters and travelers heading between Chicago and the Upper Midwest. The Ruston, Louisiana location fills a gap in Buc-ee's Gulf Coast presence.

Louisiana already has Buc-ee's stores, but the Ruston location would serve travelers on I-20 between Dallas and Atlanta, a major east-west corridor through the Deep South.

Arkansas and Kansas Expanding the Heartland

Arkansas and Kansas are also on Buc-ee's expansion list. Arkansas would provide coverage along I-40 and I-30, major corridors connecting Texas to the Southeast and Midwest.

Kansas would serve travelers on I-70, the primary east-west route through the central United States. These states represent the next logical step in Buc-ee's strategy of covering the entire interstate highway system.

By filling in gaps in the central United States, Buc-ee's creates a network that allows travelers to find their locations at regular intervals on long-distance trips.

What Buc-ee's Expansion Means for Travelers and Local Communities

The Traveler Experience Consistency at Scale

For travelers, Buc-ee's expansion means more opportunities to experience the company's signature offering: clean restrooms, extensive food and drink options, and a wide selection of road trip essentials. The consistency of the Buc-ee's experience is a key part of its appeal.

Whether a traveler stops at a location in Texas or Virginia, they can expect the same quality of facilities, the same proprietary products, and the same efficient checkout process. The expansion also means that Buc-ee's is becoming more integrated into the fabric of American road travel.

As the company adds locations across more states, it becomes a more viable option for long-distance travelers who might plan their stops around Buc-ee's locations. This network effect could drive additional traffic to existing stores as travelers become more familiar with the brand.

Economic Impact on Local Communities

Buc-ee's locations have significant economic impacts on the communities where they open. Each store employs hundreds of workers, from cashiers and food service staff to maintenance and management positions.

The company is known for paying above-average wages and offering benefits, which can help attract talent in competitive labor markets. The construction phase also provides economic benefits, with hundreds of construction workers employed for months to build the massive facilities.

Local suppliers and service providers benefit from the ongoing operations as well. However, large-scale developments like Buc-ee's can also face opposition from local residents concerned about traffic, noise, and environmental impacts.

The 35-acre site in Stafford County, Virginia, for example, requires careful planning to manage the traffic from 120 gas pumps and 833 parking spaces. Local governments must balance the economic benefits against potential infrastructure costs and neighborhood impacts.

The EV Charging Network Adapting to a Changing Market

Buc-ee's is developing a new EV charging network in partnership with Mercedes-Benz, indicating that the company is preparing for the transition to electric vehicles. This partnership, announced in November 2023, positions Buc-ee's to serve both traditional gas-powered vehicles and the growing number of electric vehicles on the road.

The EV charging network is a strategic hedge against the long-term decline of gasoline-powered transportation. While Buc-ee's current business model relies heavily on gasoline sales, the company recognizes that future growth may depend on accommodating electric vehicles.

By investing in EV charging infrastructure now, Buc-ee's ensures that its locations remain relevant as the automotive market evolves. The partnership with Mercedes-Benz is particularly significant because it aligns Buc-ee's with a major automaker's efforts to build out charging infrastructure.

Mercedes-Benz has committed to electrifying its vehicle lineup, and partnerships with travel centers like Buc-ee's help address one of the main barriers to EV adoption: charging availability on long-distance trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many new Buc-ee's locations are opening in 2025 and 2026?

Six new locations are scheduled to open across Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, Virginia, Arizona, and Ohio during 2025 and 2026. This expansion would bring the total number of states with Buc-ee's locations to 18.

What states is Buc-ee's considering for future expansion beyond 2026?

Buc-ee's is considering new locations in Idaho, Utah, and Florida. Additional states under consideration include Nebraska, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Kansas.

The company has also announced plans for locations in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, and Ruston, Louisiana.

How large are typical Buc-ee's locations?

Buc-ee's locations are significantly larger than typical convenience stores. For example, the proposed Stafford County, Virginia location would feature 74,000 square feet, 120 gas pumps, and 833 parking spaces on a 35-acre site.

Other locations range from 50,000 to 80,000 square feet.

Is Buc-ee's adding electric vehicle charging?

Yes, Buc-ee's is developing an EV charging network in partnership with Mercedes-Benz. This partnership was announced in November 2023 and positions the company to serve both traditional gas-powered vehicles and electric vehicles.

When will the Nebraska Buc-ee's open?

Buc-ee's is planning to build its first Nebraska location off Interstate 80 in Gretna. Leaders expect plans to be finalized in March, though the exact opening date has not been announced.

The store is likely to open in 2027 or later, depending on the permitting and construction process.

Reference Notes

Information in this article is based on publicly available sources. Some details may change over time.

Verify with official sources before acting.