Full Breakdown
Buc-ee’s Accelerates Expansion into Six New States
5/13/2026, 4:48:02 AM
New Multi-State Rollout
Buc-ee’s, the Texas-based travel-center chain, will open its first locations in Arizona, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Kansas, Louisiana and North Carolina between June 2026 and late 2027. The Goodyear, Arizona store is slated for June 22 2026; the Benton, Arkansas outlet is projected for August 2026. Oak Creek, Wisconsin, Ruston, Louisiana, Kansas City, Kansas and Mebane, North Carolina are scheduled for 2027, with the North Carolina site expected in the fourth quarter of that year.
From Lone Star Roots to a Nationwide Chain
Founded in 1982, Buc-ee’s grew from a single Texas gas station to 55 locations across 12 states. The company’s first out-of-state expansion began in 2019, adding stores in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The current rollout marks the first presence in six additional states, raising the total number of states served to 18.
Leadership Steering the Growth
Stan Beard, Director of Real Estate and Development, has overseen site selection for the new markets. Crissy Gonzales, the chain’s media coordinator, confirmed opening dates in an email to USA TODAY. Local officials, such as Bill Eldridge, Chairman of the City of Benton Advertising and Promotion Commission, have publicly supported the Arkansas project.
Opening Timeline
- June 22 2026: Goodyear, AZ – 74,000 sq ft, 120 pumps.
- August 2026: Benton, AR – 74,000 sq ft, 120 pumps.
- Early 2027: Oak Creek, WI – 73,370 sq ft, 120 pumps.
- Mid-2027: Ruston, LA – 73,000 sq ft, 120 pumps.
- 2027: Kansas City, KS – comparable size.
- Q4 2027: Mebane, NC – 74,000 sq ft, 120 pumps.
Store Size and Employment
All six new sites exceed 70,000 sq ft and feature 120 fueling stations, matching the chain’s flagship format. Buc-ee’s advertises “competitive wages” and projects several hundred jobs per location, though exact figures have not been disclosed.
Economic and Competitive Impact
The expansion introduces a high-traffic retail model to regions that previously lacked Buc-ee’s large-scale convenience offerings. Analysts anticipate increased local tax revenue and heightened competition for existing gas-station operators. The chain’s reputation for clean restrooms and proprietary snack lines is expected to draw regional travelers.
Official Statements & Responses
Stan Beard emphasized the company’s confidence in North Carolina’s business climate. Bill Eldridge highlighted the anticipated August grand opening in Benton. Buc-ee’s corporate office has not issued a comment beyond confirming the schedule.
Criticism and Consumer Concerns
The Better Business Bureau assigned Buc-ee’s an “F” rating in March 2025, citing 98 unanswered complaints, including a 2025 incident where a customer was charged for undelivered fuel and received no refund. Despite the rating, the chain ranked No. 5 in the 2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index for convenience stores.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact opening window for Mebane, with some citing late 2027 and others early 2028. Additionally, a subset of reports lists Ohio as a new state, though Buc-ee’s already operates a location in Huber Heights, Ohio, opened in 2025. No official timeline has been provided for the planned Texas, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee or Kentucky sites slated for 2028-2031.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We're happy to announce that it looks to be early to mid-August that the grand opening will take place,” — Bill Eldridge, Chairman, City of Benton Advertising and Promotion Commission
- “North Carolina is a great place to do business, and Buc-ee’s intends to build additional stores in the state; specific locations have yet to be determined,” — Stan Beard, Director of Real Estate and Development, Buc-ee’s
- “According to Fox 10 Phoenix , the Goodyear, Arizona store is slated to open on June 22.” — Fox 10 Phoenix
- “In 2027, Buc-ee's will open its first Wisconsin location, with Kansas and Louisiana following closely behind.” — Oak Creek City Government
Future Outlook
Beyond the six-state rollout, Buc-ee’s plans additional travel centers in Georgia, Louisiana, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky and South Carolina through 2031. The company’s continued emphasis on large-format sites suggests further penetration into the national convenience-store market.
