Monday, January 6, 2025

Buc-ee's Expansion in 2025 and Beyond: Exciting Openings Across the U.S.

Buc-ee's fans, rejoice! The iconic travel center known for its clean restrooms, delicious brisket sandwiches, and beaver-themed merchandise is spreading its magic far and wide. As we roll into 2025, several new locations are slated to open, bringing Buc-ee's unique charm to even more states. Here's a look at the upcoming openings, along with a glimpse into the future of Buc-ee's.

Mississippi: First Buc-ee’s Opens in Spring 2025
Mississippi is gearing up for its very first Buc-ee’s, opening in Harrison County on Menge Avenue. This massive 74,000+ square-foot location will provide everything Buc-ee's is famous for: incredible food options, spacious aisles of merchandise, and plenty of fuel pumps for weary travelers.

Virginia: First Location Opens July 4, 2025
Virginia will celebrate Independence Day with the grand opening of its first Buc-ee's in Rockingham County. Located off Exit 240 on I-81, this 74,000-square-foot store boasts 120 fuel stations, over 20 EV charging stations, and parking for 600 cars. A second Virginia location in New Kent County is planned for 2027.
 
Georgia: Brunswick Opening and a Future Monroe County Location
Karla and I are thrilled to attend the grand opening of Georgia's third Buc-ee's in Brunswick on June 2, 2025. Located at I-95 and State Highway 99, this store will feature 74,000 square feet and 120 gas pumps. Excitingly, plans are also in motion for a fourth Georgia location near Smarr, close to the Rumble Road exit of I-75. We’ll keep you posted on this development as details unfold. Arch, if you’re reading this, we’d love to see you there!

Tennessee: Murfreesboro Location
Tennessee's third Buc-ee’s, located 34 miles outside Nashville in Murfreesboro, is under construction. The 76,245-square-foot building will feature 120 fuel pumps, 490 parking spots, and accommodations for RVs and buses. Having already visited the Crossville and Sevierville locations, we can’t wait to add Murfreesboro to our list!

Florida: Ocala and Treasure Coast Expansion
Florida continues to shine in the Buc-ee’s universe. The upcoming Ocala location will set records as the world’s largest convenience store at over 80,000 square feet. Plans are also underway for a Treasure Coast location in St. Lucie County at Indrio Road and I-95. While opening dates are still unknown, we’ll share updates as soon as they’re available.

Karla and I are gearing up for what could be our most epic Buc-ee's
adventure yet! Depending on the opening dates of the new Florida locations, we’re planning to visit five Buc-ee’s in a single day! That’s right—our ambitious journey will take us from Warner Robins, GA, to St. Augustine, FL, Daytona Beach, FL, Ocala, FL, and finally to Fort Pierce, FL. The excitement is already building, and we absolutely can’t wait to reunite with our Buc-ee’s buddies in Daytona Beach during this incredible road trip. Stay tuned—this is going to be a day to remember!

North Carolina: Mebane by 2026/2027
North Carolina is eagerly awaiting its first Buc-ee’s in Mebane. Approved in January 2024, this location is expected to create 225 full-time jobs when it opens in late 2026 or early 2027, with potential for more jobs over time. This addition will undoubtedly enhance the state’s travel experience.

Ohio: Huber Heights in December 2025
After a brief construction delay, work has resumed on the Huber Heights, Ohio location, set to open by the end of 2025. Buckeyes, get ready to experience the ultimate convenience store!

Arizona: Goodyear in Late 2025
Buc-ee’s will make its debut in Arizona with a new store in Goodyear, opening at the end of 2025. Travelers in the Southwest are in for a treat!

Arkansas: Benton Location Coming Soon
Benton, Arkansas, will soon welcome the state’s first Buc-ee’s. Details are still emerging, but fans can expect all the Buc-ee’s staples that have won hearts across the country.

Buc-ee's: A National Phenomenon
As Buc-ee's continues to expand, it remains a must-visit destination for travelers. Whether you're grabbing a brisket sandwich, hunting for Beaver Nuggets, or marveling at the immaculate restrooms, Buc-ee’s offers an experience like no other.

Karla and I are excited to continue our Buc-ee's journey in 2025. With stops planned in Brunswick, Murfreesboro, and beyond, our "Buc-ee's List" is growing. Stay tuned to foodandflame.com for updates, grand opening coverage, and behind-the-scenes insights. Let us know if we’ll see you on the road!

A Buckaroo’s Journey: Visiting Buc-ee’s Florence, SC

As our quest to visit every Buc-ee’s location continues, we’re thrilled to announce our next adventure! During the weekend of January 18-19, 2025, we’ll be heading to the bustling Buc-ee’s in Florence, South Carolina. Known as one of the busiest Buc-ee’s in the country, this location promises to be an exciting stop on our ever-growing “Buc-ee’s List.”  

The Travelers' Oasis in Florence  
Buc-ee’s Florence, which opened on May 16, 2022, marks the brand’s first foray into South Carolina. Situated at 3390 North Williston Road, this massive store spans over 55,000 square feet, offering everything from its world-famous Beaver Nuggets to fresh brisket sandwiches. With 120 fueling stations, it’s more than a gas station—it’s a Texas-born travelers’ oasis designed to serve adventurers, road warriors, and Buc-ee’s enthusiasts like us!  

10 Locations, 4 States, and Counting  
Over the past year, Karla and I have visited 10 Buc-ee’s locations across 4 states, and we’ve enjoyed every moment of this incredible journey. Some of these stops have become favorites that we just can’t resist revisiting. For example, we’ve visited the Calhoun, GA location five times—each trip offering something new to enjoy. The Leeds, AL and Warner Robins, GA locations have also drawn us back more than once, with two visits each.
  
These frequent stops are a testament to the unique charm and quality of Buc-ee’s. Whether it’s the amazing food, warm staff, or unbeatable selection, we find ourselves returning to experience it all again and again.  

Why We’re Excited  
This visit isn’t just another stop for us; it’s a chance to experience Buc-ee’s at one of its busiest locations. We’re eager to see how the Florence store lives up to its reputation for incredible service, unbeatable selection, and legendary food. We’ll also be looking for hidden gems in the store, such as the salsa and candied jalapeƱos that have become staples of our reviews.  

Sharing the Experience  
As always, we’ll don our Buckaroo outfits—red cowboy shirts, bolo
ties, and boots—and fully embrace the Buc-ee’s spirit. We can’t wait to take a picture with Buc-ee himself and connect with fellow fans. If you see us there, don’t hesitate to say hello!  

Follow Along  
We’ll be documenting our visit on **SnackinBuckaroo** (our TikTok handle) and posting updates and reviews of our finds. From new snacks to signature favorites, we’re here to share the joy of Buc-ee’s with everyone.  

Wrapping Up  
Florence’s Buc-ee’s is more than just a pit stop—it’s a destination that celebrates the spirit of travel, community, and exceptional service. We can’t wait to see what this location has to offer and to share our experience with all of you. Stay tuned for our post-visit recap, where we’ll dive into everything we loved about Buc-ee’s Florence!

Sunday, January 5, 2025

Discovering Buc-ee’s Daytona Beach: A Beacon of Hospitality and Fun

Our Buc-ee’s journey through Florida continued with a memorable stop at the Daytona Beach location, and it was everything we hoped for—and more. Opened on March 22, 2021, this 50,000-square-foot mega-convenience store and gas station is a shining example of what makes Buc-ee’s a traveler’s oasis.  

Located at 2330 Gateway North Drive, right off the Interstate 95/LPGA Boulevard interchange, this Buc-ee’s features 104 gas pumps and one of the brand’s signature car washes. It’s a destination in itself, and it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite for locals and travelers alike.  

A Special Connection  
Buc-ee’s has always been more than a place to fuel up or grab snacks for Karla and me—it’s a place that feels like home. That’s why I make a point of writing to Arch “Beaver” Aplin, Buc-ee’s co-founder, after each visit. I want him to know just how much we love Buc-ee’s and to share the incredible experiences we’ve had along the way.

The Daytona Beach location was no exception. From the moment we arrived, we were met with the warm hospitality that has become synonymous with the Buc-ee’s brand.  

Delicious Food and More  
We enjoyed both dinner and breakfast at this location, and the food
was nothing short of exceptional. For dinner, I savored the cranberry pecan chicken salad sandwich, paired with Cajun Boil Kettle Chips and JalapeƱo Kettle Chips, and topped it off with a decadent chocolate pudding. Karla opted for a sandwich and a fresh fruit cup, a light yet satisfying meal.

Breakfast the next morning was just as delightful. I started my day with a brisket taco, Beaver tots, and a Texas Squeeze Orange juice, along with a large Buc-ee’s House Blend coffee—medium roast and absolutely delicious. Karla enjoyed a grape cup and decaf coffee. There’s truly nothing better than starting your day with a Buc-ee’s breakfast!  

Exceptional Team Members  
What really made our visit to Daytona Beach stand out were the incredible people we met along the way.
  • Kaylyn checked us out in the morning and went above and beyond to sort our food, ensuring hot items stayed hot and cold items stayed cold. Her warm conversation and attention to detail made us feel incredibly welcome.  
  • Jaimison exemplified outstanding service by retrieving two yellow location magnets for me from the warehouse without hesitation. That’s what I call dedication!  
  • Cheryl and Joan, who maintain the soda and coffee station, were amazing. Cheryl, a three-year veteran of the location, kept everything running smoothly and ensured guests were happy, while Joan’s friendly demeanor made everyone feel right at home.  
  • Duane, the store manager, and Dawn, another manager, showed incredible professionalism and hospitality. Duane made us feel like we were back in Texas, while Dawn took time out of her busy schedule to wish us a Happy New Year.  
  • Becky, working at the fudge station, was a delight to chat with, taking an interest in our Buc-ee’s adventures and our Buc-ee’s List.  
  • John and Anthony, who work at the car wash, were professional and made sure we were satisfied with our car wash selection.  
Every team member went above and beyond to make our visit special, creating memories we’ll carry with us for a lifetime.  

Final Thoughts  
The Daytona Beach Buc-ee’s is more than just a convenience store—it’s a destination that captures the heart of everything we love about
Buc-ee’s. From the delicious food to the clean and welcoming environment, and especially the incredible staff, this location has earned a spot as one of our favorites.  

We can’t wait to return, and we’re already looking forward to sharing our next Buc-ee’s adventure with Arch Aplin, who continues to inspire us with his vision and dedication to creating these remarkable travel stops.  

If you haven’t visited Buc-ee’s in Daytona Beach yet, make it a priority on your next trip. Whether it’s fueling up, grabbing a bite, or simply enjoying the unparalleled hospitality, this location offers something for everyone. 

Exploring Buc-ee’s St. Augustine: A Florida Gem

Our journey through Florida wouldn’t have been complete without a stop at Buc-ee’s in St. Augustine, a true destination for travelers along I-95. Opened on February 22, 2021, this sprawling location boasts 104 fueling stations and a massive 55,000 square feet of shopping and dining delights. It’s a beacon for anyone seeking great food, clean restrooms, and a touch of home on the road.

As the first Buc-ee’s in Northeast Florida, the St. Augustine location has set the bar high for convenience store excellence. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by the hustle and bustle of New Year’s holiday travelers, yet the warmth and friendliness of the staff made us feel right at home.  

A Taste of Home  
Our two visits to Buc-ee’s St. Augustine were centered around
lighter lunches, as we’d indulged in hearty breakfasts earlier in the day. The fresh fruit cups and cold sandwiches were perfect for a quick, satisfying meal, and the desserts—especially the banana pudding—brought a comforting taste of home.  

Exceptional Staff  
The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the amazing team members who made our experience unforgettable.  
  • Brent, who has been with Buc-ee’s for seven months, ensured the men’s restroom remained impeccably clean despite the heavy holiday traffic. His dedication to his work and his positive attitude were inspiring. I had the pleasure of speaking with him, and it was clear how much he enjoys being part of the Buc-ee’s family.  
  • Robert, the assistant store manager, took the time to make us feel welcome and even complimented my Buc-ee Beaver cap, adding a personal touch that made our visit extra special.
These interactions remind us why Buc-ee’s is more than just a convenience store—it’s a place where people truly care about their guests. 

Why St. Augustine Stands Out  
Beyond the incredible staff, the St. Augustine Buc-ee’s offers the same iconic features we’ve come to love: an impressive selection of snacks, fresh food, and merchandise. It’s a place where you can fuel up, grab a delicious meal, and pick up unique items to remember your trip.

For Karla and me, Buc-ee’s is more than a stop along the way; it’s part of our journey. Every visit leaves us with new memories and stories to share, and our time at St. Augustine was no exception.  

Final Thoughts  
If you’re traveling through Northeast Florida, make sure to add Buc-ee’s St. Augustine to your itinerary. Whether you’re fueling up for a long drive or simply exploring the area, this location offers everything you need and more. And if you’re lucky, you might just meet someone like Brent or Robert, who will remind you why Buc-ee’s is truly one of a kind.
 
We can’t wait to return and continue our Buc-ee’s adventures. For now, we carry with us the memories of a delightful visit to St. Augustine, a place that perfectly captures the spirit of Buc-ee’s.