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 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!

Buc-ee’s Coming to West Memphis, Arkansas: A New Tourist Hotspot

West Memphis, Arkansas, is buzzing with excitement as Buc-ee’s Travel Center announces plans to open a massive new location here, bringing a surge of job opportunities, tourism, and community growth. Known for its ultra-clean restrooms, signature brisket sandwiches, and iconic Beaver Nuggets, Buc-ee’s will soon add West Memphis to its roster of must-visit destinations, making it one of the largest Buc-ee’s locations in the region.

Mayor Marco McClendon couldn’t be more thrilled about the impact Buc-ee’s will have on the community. “We’re making everything so attractive around here,” McClendon said. “When you’ve got jobs coming here and economic development growth, people want to be here. You can live, work, and play in West Memphis.” 

Buc-ee’s will be built on 34 acres of land on the south side of eastbound Interstate 40 and Interstate 55, near Cracker Barrel, in a prime location for passing travelers and locals alike. The 74,000-square-foot travel center will feature Buc-ee’s famous wall of snacks and fresh food, 225 new jobs, and a draw that reaches well beyond the city limits.

The Perfect Intersection of Convenience and Tourism
Strategically positioned near Interstates 40 and 55, one of the country’s busiest interstate corridors, Buc-ee’s West Memphis location will provide easy access for travelers from all over. Mayor McClendon noted, “We have our 40/55, which is the second or third busiest interstate in the country. We also have the Mississippi River, our own airport, and five of the six major rail lines here.” This blend of accessibility and infrastructure promises a major boost to tourism in the region, as Buc-ee’s fans from neighboring states make their way to West Memphis.

Jim Jackson, West Memphis Director of Tourism, shares the excitement, noting that Buc-ee’s is truly a “tourist destination” for many. “People plan their vacations and trips around a Buc-ee’s location,” he said. “The fact that they decided to come to West Memphis is very exciting.”

Adding West Memphis Buc-ee’s to Our “Buc-ee’s List”

As devoted Buc-ee’s fans, we’re eagerly adding this new West Memphis location to our “Buc-ee’s List”—our quest to visit every Buc-ee’s across the country. We can’t wait to make the trip once it opens, indulging in everything from Beaver Nuggets to their famously fresh barbecue.

A Destination, Not Just a Stop
Buc-ee’s has long been more than just a travel center—it’s a destination in itself. As West Memphis prepares to welcome this iconic chain, the local community can look forward to both immediate and long-term benefits. Beyond the job creation and economic growth, Buc-ee’s West Memphis location will be a place where people gather, refuel, and enjoy a unique experience that’s hard to find anywhere else.

Stay tuned for updates on the opening date. West Memphis is ready, and so are we—our Buc-ee’s List awaits its latest addition!

Buc-ee’s is Coming to Arkansas: Benton Welcomes the Beaver!

For my wife and me, Buc-ee's is more than a pit stop—it’s an adventure, a destination, and, honestly, a part of our "Buc-ee’s List" (our fun twist on a bucket list, where we're determined to visit every Buc-ee's in the country). And now, we’re thrilled to add a new stop to that list: Arkansas!

That’s right—Buc-ee’s is officially coming to Saline County, right in Benton, Arkansas, nestled between exits 114 and 116 along I-30. After over a year of rumors and anticipation, the news was made official in front of thousands of fans at the 2024 Salt Bowl, with none other than Buc-ee himself making a surprise appearance! Can you imagine the excitement in the air? It’s not every day that a beloved beaver steals the show under the Friday night lights.

But the biggest star of the night wasn’t just Buc-ee—it was Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who shared the big news with a video announcement. “Buc-ee’s is coming to Arkansas and Saline County, right in the heart of our state will be its home,” she said. No need for Arkansans to hit the road to neighboring states for a brisket sandwich, Beaver Nuggets, or, let’s be honest, the cleanest restrooms around. It’s all happening right here!

Mayor Tom Farmer was equally ecstatic, announcing the grand plans at the game. "This is a fantastic move for our county, for our city, and for the state of Arkansas," he said. And I’m sure he’ll be just as excited as I am to share a brisket sandwich with the Governor at the grand opening!

Though the official completion date isn’t set just yet, the final permit is expected to be in hand soon, which means construction will be underway before we know it. The Benton location will be the very first Buc-ee’s in Arkansas, making it a major milestone not only for Saline County but for the entire state.

From securing land near the Haskell exit on I-30 to the city council’s approval of the soon-to-be-famous Buc-ee’s Boulevard, this project has been a long time coming. And now, after months of planning, the contracts have been signed, the location confirmed, and Arkansas is ready for the grand arrival of Buc-ee’s.

For my wife and me, adding the Benton Buc-ee’s to our growing list is an absolute joy, and I’m sure many fellow Arkansans are as excited as we are to welcome this Texas-sized traveler’s paradise to the Natural State. Get ready, Arkansas—Buc-ee’s is about to make road trips a lot more exciting!