Florida’s Next Buc-ee’s One Step Closer to Construction: St. Lucie County Set to Welcome Beaver Nuggets and Brisket Sandwiches!

Exciting news for Buc-ee’s fans in the Sunshine State! Florida drivers will soon have another stop to satisfy their cravings for beaver nuggets and brisket sandwiches on the Treasure Coast.

A fourth Buc-ee’s location is moving forward in St. Lucie County. This week, the county commission voted to amend sign regulations, allowing Buc-ee’s to erect a towering 100-foot sign, paving the way for the new store. The change permits signs up to 100 feet tall and 640 square feet in designated retail workplace zones near Indrio Road and I-95.

The future Buc-ee’s, located at the northwest corner of the site, will boast an 80,000-square-foot travel center, complete with 120 fuel pumps and over 720 parking spaces—plenty of room for all those eager to make a pit stop at this travelers’ oasis.

County records reveal that the Buc-ee’s development has been in the works since February 2024, and it’s not the only one on the horizon. In April, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $4 million to the Florida Department of Transportation to support the construction of a new interchange on I-75 in Marion County, where another Buc-ee’s is planned in Ocala.

Currently, Florida is home to two other Buc-ee’s locations: St. Augustine and Daytona Beach. My wife and I are thrilled to be visiting both of these during the week of Christmas 2024—perfect timing to spread a little Buc-ee’s cheer! And Governor DeSantis, if you’re near St. Augustine or Daytona Beach during the holidays, we’d love to see you (maybe over a brisket sandwich?).

New Buc-ee's Set to Break Ground in Oak Grove, Kentucky: What to Expect from the Latest Traveler's Oasis

Buc-ee's fans in Western Kentucky, rejoice! A brand-new Buc-ee's is set to break ground in Oak Grove, just south of Hopkinsville in Christian County, near the Tennessee border and Fort Campbell. The groundbreaking is scheduled for early in the first quarter of 2025, with a projected completion date in the first half of 2026. This will be the third Buc-ee's in Kentucky, joining the locations in Richmond and Smiths Grove—an exciting milestone for locals and road-trippers alike.

While Richmond may be a familiar name, the Smiths Grove location has earned a unique distinction as the smallest city in the United States to host a Buc-ee's. With a population of just over 700, Smiths Grove proves that even small towns can house the legendary Texas-sized convenience store. Now, Oak Grove, located about 20 miles south of Hopkinsville, is poised to expand the Buc-ee's footprint in Kentucky's western region.

Like every Buc-ee's, the Oak Grove location will feature all the signature elements that make Buc-ee's a destination, not just a pit stop. Expect to find:

• World-famous brisket: Freshly carved in front of you and piled high on a bun, this brisket is a must-try for anyone passing through.
• Irresistible fudge**: With a variety of flavors ranging from chocolate peanut butter to rocky road, Buc-ee's fudge is the perfect sweet treat to enjoy on your drive.
• Bakery delights: From kolaches to freshly baked cookies, the bakery is the heart of Buc-ee's indulgent treats. Make sure to pick up a cinnamon roll or one of their delicious apple pies for the road.

Of course, there will also be the beloved Buc-ee's snacks like Beaver Nuggets, freshly roasted nuts, and an assortment of sandwiches and salads, making it hard to leave without filling up a bag (or two).

A Little Message to "Beaver"

Now, while we're excited to see the third Buc-ee's location in Kentucky break ground, we can't help but wonder if Buc-ee's co-founder, Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, has thought about a spot that’s been aching for its own Buc-ee’s—Villa Rica, Georgia. Sure, Smiths Grove may hold the title of smallest city with a Buc-ee’s for now, but Villa Rica, just west of Atlanta, is calling your name, Beaver! Just think—brisket sandwiches in the heart of Georgia, plus some of that signature fudge. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for the future!

As always, Buc-ee's in Oak Grove will be more than a gas station; it’ll be a true traveler’s oasis, offering clean, spacious restrooms, unique Buc-ee's merchandise, and enough snacks and food options to make even the longest road trips more enjoyable. This location will also be a fantastic stop for those traveling near Fort Campbell and the Kentucky-Tennessee border.

With the promise of brisket, bakery goods, and unbeatable Buc-ee's hospitality, Oak Grove is already shaping up to be a can’t-miss stop. We’re counting down to the 2025 groundbreaking and can’t wait to see what this new location brings to the Bluegrass State.

So, whether you’re a local, a frequent traveler through Western Kentucky, or just someone who loves Buc-ee's (we see you, Texas!), be sure to keep an eye on the progress of this new store. We’ll be updating you as the opening gets closer!

My wife and I are already planning our trip to the new Oak Grove Buc-ee's once it opens, and we couldn't be more excited to explore everything this new location will offer. As with every Buc-ee's, it's not just about the food and snacks (though the brisket is a big part of it!), it's about the experience and the adventure of each stop. If you happen to spot us while you're in Oak Grove—or at any Buc-ee’s—don’t be shy! Come say, "Hi," and I'll gladly give you a Big Buckin' Beaver salute. We love meeting fellow Buc-ee's fans on the road!

Buc-ee's is Bringing Big Bucks to Murfreesboro!

The beloved beaver is expanding once again, and this time, it's getting closer to Murfreesboro, Tennessee! Buc-ee’s has officially announced plans to break ground on a new location in Oak Grove, Kentucky by the end of the year, but the Murfreesboro store has been in the works for quite a while.

While the project hit a slight delay due to a pipe shortage, construction is back on track. Crews are currently working to realign the roadway off Joe B. Jackson Parkway, clearing the way for Buc-ee’s to begin building. The roadway work is expected to be completed by the end of this year or early next year. Once done, construction on the store itself will take about a year and a half to finish.

The arrival of Buc-ee’s is more than just exciting for road trippers; it’s a huge economic win for the city. The Buc-ee’s in Crossville, TN has brought in between $5 and $5.5 million in revenue from non-petroleum sales (just inside sales!), while Sevierville is seeing about $9.5 million from shoppers, many of whom travel from over 100 miles away. Murfreesboro could expect around $2.75 million in tax revenue for the city and Rutherford County.

In addition to big bucks, Buc-ee’s will also bring plenty of jobs. The store is expected to create over 200 positions, many of which are high-paying and come with excellent benefits. Managers at Buc-ee's can make around $120,000 per year. Wright, a Buc-ee’s spokesperson, added with a bit of humor, “I’m excited for this project to get on the road and I’m hoping I don’t gain 500 pounds eating Buc-ee’s brisket every day!”

As this will be the third Buc-ee's in Tennessee, it's clear the state's love for the beaver brand is growing. My wife and I are planning to visit both the Crossville and Sevierville Buc-ee’s during Thanksgiving week, along with a stop at the Calhoun, GA store. Three Buc-ee’s in one day—sounds like a perfect Thanksgiving adventure to me!

Stay tuned to Food and Flame for updates on all things Buc-ee’s!

A Morning at Auburn's Buc-ee's: A Breakfast Adventure and Beyond

Our recent visit to the Auburn Buc-ee's location was a delightful experience, one that perfectly encapsulated everything we love about this iconic Texas-born brand. Whether it's the mouthwatering food, the unparalleled service, or the friendly atmosphere, Auburn's Buc-ee's has it all.

We kicked off our day with a visit to the Texas Round Up, where we were greeted by the tantalizing aroma of freshly prepared breakfast options. I couldn’t resist trying the Super Sausage Breakfast Taco, and it did not disappoint. The combination of juicy sausage, fluffy eggs, and just the right amount of seasoning made for a hearty, satisfying start to the day. My wife opted for the Bean, Potato, and Cheese Taco, which she found to be a delightful blend of flavors, proving that Buc-ee's has something for everyone.

And what’s a visit to Buc-ee’s without picking up a few of their famous Beaver Tots? Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these golden nuggets are a must-have on any trip. To top off breakfast, I indulged in a Cherry Kolache—a sweet, pastry delight filled with rich cherry goodness. It was the perfect way to end our morning meal.

While the food was outstanding, what truly set this visit apart was the exceptional service we received. The staff at the Auburn location went above and beyond to ensure our experience was nothing short of perfect. We were especially impressed by Gloria, who took the time to retrieve a bag of chocolate-covered Beaver Nuggets from the warehouse just for us. This kind of dedication to customer service is what keeps us coming back to Buc-ee’s time and time again.

Joanne in the Sweets section was another standout, taking care of our needs with a smile and even sharing a personal story that left us feeling inspired. Her warmth and kindness added a special touch to our visit. Kendra, who assisted us in the Buc-ee’s merchandise section, was also incredibly helpful, making our shopping experience smooth and enjoyable.

The Auburn Buc-ee's is a shining example of why we love this brand so much. From the moment you walk through the doors, you're greeted with a sense of warmth and hospitality that’s hard to find anywhere else. The food is consistently top-notch, with something to satisfy every craving, and the staff treats you like family, going out of their way to make sure your visit is a memorable one.

If you find yourself near Auburn, don’t miss the chance to stop by this Buc-ee's location. Whether you're in the mood for a quick breakfast, a shopping spree, or just a friendly chat with the staff, Auburn’s Buc-ee's has it all. We’re already looking forward to our next visit!