If you're from Texas or have ever driven through it, you've probably heard of Buc-ee’s. It's not just a gas station. It's a destination. A roadside legend. And now, it's going national. So, what exactly makes Buc-ee’s a phenomenon, and how is this once regional giant charting its course across the U.S.?

Let’s break it all down: the beaver, the brisket and the business.

What Is Buc-ee’s and Why Do Texans Love It So Much?

Buc-ee’s isn’t your average convenience store. Founded in 1982 in Lake Jackson, Texas, by Arch "Beaver" Aplin III and Don Wasek, it started as a humble roadside stop. But fast forward to 2025, and it's a 50,000+ square foot mega-hub of fueling, snacking, shopping, and clean restroom heaven.

You know what people say about Buc-ee’s? "You don’t stop for gas, you stop at Buc-ee’s."

It’s that kind of loyalty that has made Buc-ee’s a cultural staple. The brand’s massive restrooms have won national awards. Its branded merchandise beaver plushies, cookbooks, even swimsuits is fiercely collected. And let’s not forget the famous brisket sandwich. That stuff is the fuel of Texas road trips.

But what started in the Lone Star State is no longer just a local gem. Buc-ee’s is scaling fast.

Where Is Buc-ee’s Now? Mapping Its 2025 U.S. Footprint

As of 2025, Buc-ee’s operates 53 locations across 9 states, with a heavy concentration in Texas. But expansion is clearly underway, with massive stores opening in:

• Tennessee (Sevierville, Crossville)
• Kentucky (Richmond, Smiths Grove)
• South Carolina (Florence)
• Colorado (Johnstown)
• Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri and more

Here’s a snapshot:

Why Buc-ee’s Stores Are So Massive (and Why It Works)

Buc-ee’s is known for building the largest gas stations in the U.S. The New Braunfels, TX location was once the world’s biggest convenience store at over 66,000 square feet. Now, newer ones are pushing past 75,000 square feet.

Why build big? Because Buc-ee’s isn’t just selling fuel. It’s selling an experience:

• 120+ fueling pumps
• Brisket slicing stations
• Freshly made fudge counters
• Home decor and apparel sections
• Private-label jerky, jams, pickles, and more

It’s like Cracker Barrel meets Whole Foods… at a gas station.

Fuel and Food Performance: How Buc-ee’s Stacks Up

Buc-ee’s doesn’t release public revenue numbers. But based on industry estimates and location traffic patterns, Buc-ee’s stores vastly outperform typical convenience chains in per-store revenue, especially in foodservice.

Here’s a 2025 comparison snapshot:

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The Secret Sauce: Clean Bathrooms, Friendly Staff, and a Cult Brand

It may sound trivial, but Buc-ee’s clean bathroom policy is legendary. They’ve won Cintas America's Best Restroom Award. The logic? If you build spotless restrooms, people will stop there. And if they stop, they’ll shop.

Couple that with southern hospitality (employees are paid well above industry average), and a tight grip on branding—and you’ve got something customers remember.

Buc-ee’s has become an Instagram-worthy stop, a YouTube niche, and even a tourist destination. You’ll find Buc-ee’s merchandise as far away as California—and they don’t even have stores there (yet).

Buc-ee’s vs. Traditional Fuel Retailers

How does Buc-ee’s compare to others? It’s not even trying to be the same. Buc-ee’s doesn’t allow:

• 18-wheelers/truckers
• Outside vendors
• Franchisees

Instead, it leans into the family-friendly, road trip crowd. This helps it maintain tight control over experience, cleanliness, and brand.

EV Charging at Buc-ee’s: Are They Late to the Game?

While brands like Pilot Flying J and Love’s have aggressively moved toward EV charging infrastructure, Buc-ee’s has been relatively slow to adopt. As of early 2025, only a handful of locations have EV fast chargers, often through partnerships with Tesla Superchargers or third-party providers.

Still, with more states mandating EV readiness and customers demanding it, Buc-ee’s is expected to expand its charging network in newer builds.

Future Outlook: Can Buc-ee’s Keep Its Magic While Expanding?

Here’s the tension: Buc-ee’s has built its legend on being a Texas thing. But as it scales across states, can it retain its quirky, road-trip-champion identity?

So far, signs are positive. New stores in Tennessee and Colorado are seeing massive foot traffic and glowing customer reviews. But there are challenges:

• Real estate: Buc-ee’s needs 20+ acres for each build.
• Labor: The brand promises high pay and staffing levels, harder to maintain outside Texas.
• Competition: New states bring new rivals, from Casey’s to Circle K.

Final Word: The Buc-ee’s Expansion Is More Than Fuel

In 2025, Buc-ee’s is rewriting what a gas station can be. It’s not about cheaper fuel or faster pumps—it’s about creating something memorable. Something you talk about when you get home.

Will it work everywhere? Maybe not. But Buc-ee’s is betting big that Americans, no matter the state, will still stop for brisket, beaver nuggets, and a bathroom you’re not afraid to walk barefoot in.

And you know what? They just might be right.