The buc stops here: Buc-ee's the 'Disney World of gas stations' for some, but NC's first location poses real concerns
Now that Buc-ee's is coming to North Carolina, it's worth a look at why and how the chain turned into a destination for some road-trippers.
The highway hobbyists looking for a new spot to stretch their legs will soon have another choice to pick from in central North Carolina. It's coming to an exit near the Triangle, in Mebane to be exact. Few businesses generate the hype of Buc-ee's, which is an intentional detour for many drivers.
So how did the enormous gas station and general store with the charming name and goofy logo become a must-stop for some? There are a few answers for that.
Buc-ee's is known for food, shopping, big and clean bathrooms
Buc-ee's fans cite the food. Customers can order Texas-style barbecue offerings like brisket sandwiches, turkey, sausage and pulled pork. Others love the beaver nuggets, fudge (made in-house) and beef jerky when asked about what makes the chain so popular.
There's also an abundance of branded apparel, cookware, toys and holiday decorations.
The restrooms are known for being clean and spacious, a reassuring feature for families.
How big is Buc-ee's?
There are already plenty of large gas stations and travel centers along our interstates. A drive down I-40 or I-95 will have lots of signs for Pilot Flying J, Love's, Sheetz and others. But like many thing that were founded in Texas, the size of Buc-ee's is a big part of the appeal and kitsch. The space slotted for the Mebane location hopes to be ready to open by 2025 and includes:
- A 74,000-square feet store (bigger than the 54,000-square foot store in Florence, South Carolina)
- 652 parking spaces
- 120 gas pumps
- 225 workers
- An estimated $1.8 million in sales tax revenue
The Florence location has 52 bathrooms and 715 parking spaces while averaging 4.6 million visitors a year.
"At one point in time, they were doing over a million dollars a day in business here," said Florence business owner Rick Havekost. "You look at all the license plates, it's Ohio, Virginia, Florida, Georgia."
The Buc-ee's phenomenon continues to steer drivers into a frenzy, some of whom make visiting a primary objective.
"Do you realize we planned our entire road trip around stopping at this gas station?" Amanda Mieszanek told WRAL at the Florence, South Carolina, location. "We can't wait for that Buc-ee's to open in Mebane."
"It’s just the Disney World of convenience stores," said Donald Bradshaw, General Manager of the Florence store. "Our mantra is clean, friendly and in stock."
Bradshaw was coincidentally born in the same town as the original Buc-ee's in Lake Jackson, Texas.
Every Buc-ee's location is also open 24 hours, so a robust staff is needed.
The main selling points of Buc-ee's seem to be the better-than-average convenience store food along with the volume and availability of novelty products, merchandise, clothing and gas pumps.
When it comes to North Carolina, Buc-ee's will be at 1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road near Interstate 85 and Interstate 40. Currently, the closest Buc-ee’s to the Triangle is in Florence. Buc-ee's currently has nearly 60 locations across the southeast and operates as a private company to emphasize quality control. If you're not a fan of crowds, it can be a turn-off as the amount of vehicle traffic around the station and foot traffic inside it can be hectic.
"There can be turn-ons and turn-offs for a large gas station," said Patrick de Haan, head of petroleum analysis with GasBuddy. "But often, Buc-ee's will bring a lot more competition to an area. It will force other stations nearby to really improve their offerings and improve their facilities."
A kind of fanaticism surrounds Buc-ee's, which is apparent from Google reviews, Facebook groups and the sheer amount of people you can find at a location during the day. Some who are looking to get back on the road as quickly as possible may want to turn elsewhere, but if you've got time to spare, there's something to offer everyone.
Some in Mebane uneasy about traffic, environmental concerns
However, not everyone is a fan. Dozens of locals around Orange and Alamance counties came out to voice opposition in January.
"I’m here for our town because I don’t think we need 500 to 1,200 cars per hour bringing their exhaust and environmental health exposures into our city," Tyler Whitley said.
While thrilled with the tax revenue Buc-ee's brings, Greg Robinson, the CEO of Economic Development Partnership for Florence County, admitted traffic has been an issue. That's one of the primary complaints behind the Mebane location, especially as it's placed one exit away from the already-popular Tanger Outlets.
"It does back on to the interstate," Robinson said of the traffic. "So we are doing a study right now to see if we can reverse some of the traffic lanes."
Businessman Barron Ervin said about 98 percent of the people who visit the Florence location live outside of Florence County.
Back in North Carolina, an hours-long debate went into the wee hours before Mebane City Council voted unanimously to approve the rezoning and special use permit needed to build North Carolina's first Buc-ee's. It's clear the anticipation behind Buc-ee's coming to Mebane is garnering excitement across the region.
After discussion in 2020 and 2021, plans to bring Buc-ee's to Orange County fell through after locals voiced concern about the plan for a property hosting a store comparable to a Walmart in size and in product offerings.
Buc-ee's Director of Real Estate Stan Beard said they’ve already taken the lessons learned elsewhere to Mebane, but will make more adjustments if needed.
"After operating for a few months, we will see what the traveling public really does and if changes are required we will make those changes," Beard said.
Buc-ee's will spend $8 to $12 million of its own money for the road changes needed in Mebane.
Beard also addressed environmental concerns calling them valid and adding that none of their locations have ever had an environmental crisis.
Beard said the Mebane location will be the only North Carolina location for at least the next year. Buc-ee's is also opening two Virginia locations.
