Loving Leeds: Our Third Visit to Buc-ee’s Leeds, Alabama

Karla and I always say that Buc-ee’s is more than a store—it’s a family. Nowhere is that more evident than at the Leeds, Alabama Buc-ee’s, where every visit feels like coming home. On our third trip to this fantastic location, we spent time with some of our favorite Buc-ee’s team members and left with even more reasons to love this stop along I-20.

A Warm Welcome from Familiar Faces
We were thrilled to catch up with our favorite General Manager, Matthew, whose leadership and passion for Buc-ee’s always shine through. Matthew runs a tight ship, but more importantly, he creates a welcoming atmosphere that makes travelers and regulars like us feel special. We also got to meet our new friend, Tony, the Assistant General Manager. Tony is fantastic—friendly, attentive, and clearly committed to making Leeds a standout location.

Incredible Team Members Make the Difference
Of course, a Buc-ee’s visit wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the magic of the hardworking team. We had a wonderful time visiting with Chinal at the Tortilla Station, where the fresh-made tortillas are an absolute must-try. Chinal brings joy to the kitchen, and you can taste it in every bite of those delicious tacos and burritos.

Over in merchandising, we met Caleb, who was doing a heck of a great job keeping everything perfect for travelers seeking out sandwiches, fudge, candied nuts, and a host of other goodies. From perfectly organized displays to well-stocked shelves, Caleb's efforts ensure every guest has the ultimate Buc-ee’s experience.

Why We Love Leeds
This visit reminded us why Leeds holds a special place in our hearts. The store itself is huge and immaculate, filled with the signature Buc-ee’s charm, but it’s the people who make it truly shine. From the warm greetings to the dedication behind the scenes, Leeds is everything we love about Buc-ee’s wrapped into one fantastic location.

Planning Our Next Visit—Easter is Calling!
We’re already counting down to our next visit in March, when we’ll be back to pick up the Easter Buc-ee plushie (because every holiday needs a little Buc-ee’s spirit!). You can bet we’ll be stopping to say hello to Matthew, Tony, Chinal, and Caleb, and of course, loading up on our favorite snacks for the road.

Final Thoughts
If you’ve never been to the Leeds, Alabama Buc-ee’s, it’s time to fix that! Whether you’re grabbing a brisket sandwich, snapping up some fresh fudge, or just enjoying the friendliest service you’ll ever find on the highway, Leeds delivers the Buc-ee’s magic.
And if you happen to see us there, don’t be shy—say hello! We’ll be the ones in Buc-ee’s gear, with brisket sandwiches in hand and smiles on our faces.

Until next time, happy travels and BUC-EE’S FOREVER!

Buc-ee’s to Break Ground on First Arkansas Location in Benton

Buc-ee’s is bringing its world-famous brisket sandwiches, Beaver Nuggets, and spotless restrooms to Arkansas! The beloved Texas-based travel center chain is set to break ground on its first-ever Arkansas location in Benton later this month.

Located on a 29-acre tract at the intersection of Interstate 30 and Highway 229—just under 30 miles from Little Rock—the Benton Buc-ee’s will be a major addition to the region. Groundbreaking for the site is scheduled for February 19.

The Benton store won’t just be Arkansas’ first Buc-ee’s—it will also be one of the chain’s largest. At over 75,000 square feet, it will tie with the Buc-ee’s in Luling, Texas, for the title of largest Buc-ee’s location. Travelers can expect more than 100 gas pumps and an impressive array of Buc-ee’s favorites, from fresh barbecue to homemade fudge. Plus, the store is expected to bring approximately 225 jobs to the Benton area.

While construction in Arkansas kicks off, Buc-ee’s is also working on an even bigger project in Florida. According to Southern Living, the new Buc-ee’s location in Ocala is expected to open later this year and will claim the title of largest Buc-ee’s in the world, boasting an incredible 80,000 square feet of space.

As Buc-ee’s expands its footprint across the South, it’s clear that more and more travelers are discovering what my wife, Karla, and I have known for years—Buc-ee’s is more than a gas station; it’s a destination. We can’t wait to add Benton, Arkansas, to our growing “Buc-ee’s List” and share the experience with fellow travelers.

Stay tuned for updates on the Benton store’s construction, and we’ll see you on the road—probably with a brisket sandwich in hand!

Buc-ee’s Eyes the Florida Panhandle for Its Fifth Location

Buc-ee’s, the legendary Texas-based travel center, is making moves to expand its footprint in Florida. Reports indicate that the company is in the early stages of the permitting process for a new location in the Tallahassee area, potentially bringing its world-famous brisket sandwiches, pristine restrooms, and endless rows of gas pumps to the Florida Panhandle.

Stan Beard, Buc-ee’s director of real estate and development, confirmed in an email that while there are still many hurdles to clear, Tallahassee and Leon County have been on the company’s radar for quite some time. “Tallahassee and Leon County have long been on our list of great communities to share the Buc-ee’s experience with,” Beard said. “We look forward to continued efforts with Leon County Planning and Leon County Leadership toward bringing a Buc-ee’s to the Florida Panhandle.”

Currently, Florida travelers can experience Buc-ee’s at just two locations—Daytona Beach and St. Augustine. My wife, Karla, and I have visited both, and they certainly lived up to the hype. It was a long but rewarding road trip where we hit three Buc-ee’s in one day, starting in Warner Robins, Georgia, before heading south to the Florida locations.

However, Buc-ee’s isn’t stopping there. The company has ambitious plans for Florida, including a massive store in Ocala, just east of I-75 near Highway 326. If completed, this location—spanning over 80,000 square feet and featuring more than 100 gas pumps—could take the title of the world’s largest Buc-ee’s, surpassing the Luling, Texas location that currently holds the crown. Additionally, a St. Lucie County location is in the works at the southeast corner of Indrio Road and Interstate 95.

A Buc-ee’s in Tallahassee would be a game-changer for travelers heading along I-10, offering a much-needed oasis of delicious food, clean restrooms, and Buc-ee’s famous snacks in the Panhandle. As always, Karla and I will be tracking this development closely and look forward to the day we can add this location to our ever-growing “Buc-ee’s List.”

Stay tuned for more updates as Buc-ee’s continues its expansion into Florida!

Buc-ee’s Breaks Ground in San Marcos, Texas – Opening Set for May 26, 2026

On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, January 29, Buc-ee’s founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, local officials, and the beloved Buc-ee himself broke ground on what promises to be another iconic travel center in San Marcos, Texas. Scheduled to open on May 26, 2026, this massive 74,000-square-foot location will welcome travelers just off Interstate 35 with Buc-ee’s signature world-class restrooms, Texas-sized snacks, and everything in between.

Speaking at the ceremony, Aplin expressed his excitement about expanding Buc-ee’s presence in the Lone Star State. “We’ve been building out of state a lot recently, but there’s nothing like coming home to Texas,” he shared with attendees. “We are excited to be on this side of the interstate with the southbound traffic, so we think that will be great.”

This new store will be located just 30 minutes from the existing New

Braunfels Buc-ee’s, which spans 66,000 square feet. With its increased size and prime location, the San Marcos Buc-ee’s is poised to become a must-stop destination for road trippers and Texas State University students alike — perfect for a late-night Beaver Nuggets run.

Coming Home to Texas
As proud Texans now living out of state, Karla and I are thrilled about Buc-ee’s continued growth back home. Buc-ee’s has always been a comforting reminder of Texas, and this new San Marcos location will be yet another reason to make the trip back to visit family (and, of course, more Buc-ee’s).

To Arch "Beaver" Aplin III — you keep building them, and we'll keep visiting them!

Potential Delay Looms for Buc-ee’s Brunswick, GA Location Due to Roundabout Construction

The much-anticipated Buc-ee’s location in Brunswick, Georgia, might face a delay in its grand opening due to construction plans at the Exit 42 interchange of Interstate 95. Glynn County Commission Chairman Walter Rafolski recently expressed concerns about the Georgia Department of Transportation's (GDOT) timeline for constructing roundabouts on both sides of Georgia 99 near the planned Buc-ee's site.

Initially, Buc-ee’s was on track to open its doors in April, but GDOT’s announcement of a summer construction start, with an expected completion date in August, has raised eyebrows. This timeline has caused uncertainty about whether the massive travel center can meet its original opening schedule.

Chairman Rafolski, along with Commissioner Wayne Neal, met with state DOT officials earlier this week to address the issue. According to Rafolski, the roundabout project, critical for handling the increased traffic expected from Buc-ee’s, has already been approved. However, the delay in breaking ground prompted county officials to push for a sense of urgency from GDOT.

A key point of discussion was the temporary closure of the Exit 42 interchange, required for seven days to allow substantial progress on the roundabouts before reopening to traffic. While this closure might be a short-term inconvenience for drivers, it’s an essential step in accommodating the projected influx of visitors once Buc-ee’s opens.
Despite these challenges, Rafolski remains optimistic. After his meeting with GDOT officials, he noted a newfound urgency in their approach and expressed hope that Buc-ee’s could still open its doors this spring.

For the Buc-ee’s faithful, this news comes with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. While the delay might be disappointing, the construction of roundabouts underscores the significant impact this location is expected to have on the area’s infrastructure and economy.

Stay tuned as we continue to track developments on the Buc-ee’s Brunswick location. Whether it’s April or later, the opening of Buc-ee’s will undoubtedly be worth the wait!